City Lifting Takes Delivery of the UK’s First Liebherr 195 HC-LH Tower Crane
- Meagan Wood
- Apr 23
- 4 min read
30-Second Takeaway
Liebherr has delivered the UK’s first 195 HC-LH luffing jib tower crane to Essex-based City Lifting. Designed for constrained urban projects, the crane combines compact dimensions, advanced lifting technology, and efficient transport logistics, making it ideally suited for high-density city developments across London and the UK.
City Lifting Takes Delivery of the UK’s First Liebherr 195 HC-LH
Liebherr has officially delivered the United Kingdom’s first 195 HC-LH luffing jib tower crane to leading crane and lifting specialist City Lifting. Ahead of its first deployment on a housing development project in Essex, Liebherr worked closely with City Lifting’s technicians during the crane’s initial erection at the company’s yard in Leighton Buzzard.
The milestone delivery follows the announcement last year that City Lifting had secured the first UK order for the new Liebherr crane model.
The partnership was further celebrated during Bauma in April 2025, where representatives from City Lifting and Liebherr marked the occasion together at the Liebherr exhibition stand.
City Lifting, headquartered in Purfleet, Essex, is recognised throughout London and the wider UK construction industry for delivering lifting solutions on complex inner-city and landmark construction projects.
Liebherr 195 HC-LH Designed for Demanding Urban Construction Sites
The new Liebherr 195 HC-LH was specifically selected for its ability to perform efficiently on restricted city-centre construction sites.
Compact Design Supports Tight Inner-City Operations
The crane offers several features tailored for constrained urban environments, including:
Minimum working radius of just three metres
Out-of-service position below 10 metres
Flexible configuration options
Compact transport footprint
These capabilities allow the crane to operate effectively on congested construction sites where space limitations are a major operational challenge.
Efficient Transport and Assembly Reduce Site Disruption
To support the logistical demands of busy urban developments, the crane can be transported using only four vehicles.
Liebherr said this significantly streamlines:
Site delivery
Mobilisation
Urban traffic management
Crane erection scheduling
Assembly efficiency is also improved through:
Pre-assembled crane components
Maximum component weights of eight tonnes
Compatibility with smaller assist cranes
This allows safer and faster crane installation while reducing overall project disruption.
Advanced Technology Enhances Performance and Safety
The Liebherr 195 HC-LH incorporates several advanced systems designed to improve operational efficiency, safety, and lifting performance.
Hydraulic Luffing System Enables Fast and Precise Operation
The crane’s hydraulic luffing system enables highly controlled jib movements in less than 90 seconds.
This provides operators with:
Faster positioning
Improved load handling precision
Increased operational efficiency
Enhanced site safety
Load-Plus and Tower Crane OS Improve Operational Capability
Additional technologies integrated into the crane include:
Load-Plus lifting enhancement system
Liebherr Tower Crane OS operating system
Load-Plus temporarily increases lifting capacity by up to 25 percent when required, improving flexibility during demanding lifts. Meanwhile, the Tower Crane OS system provides intuitive crane controls and enhanced operational monitoring for operators and site teams.
Liebherr and City Lifting Strengthen Long-Term Partnership
Ahead of the crane’s first operational deployment, Liebherr delivered a comprehensive week-long familiarisation and training programme for City Lifting technicians.
Technical Training Supports Smooth Commissioning Process
The training programme provided detailed guidance on:
Crane systems
Operational procedures
Assembly techniques
Maintenance requirements
The goal was to ensure smooth commissioning while allowing technicians to gain practical experience directly from Liebherr specialists. Liebherr said the programme also helps minimise potential operational challenges often associated with introducing new crane technology.
Ongoing After-Sales Support Remains Key Focus
Liebherr confirmed that technical support and after-sales service will continue throughout the crane’s operational lifecycle to minimise downtime and maximise performance.
City Lifting Managing Director Trevor Jepson highlighted several engineering features that influenced the company’s decision to purchase the crane.
“Several standout features of the crane influenced our decision to acquire the unit,” said Jepson.
Crane Features Designed to Simplify Maintenance and Serviceability
City Lifting said the crane’s design offers important service and maintenance advantages compared with traditional luffing jib cranes.
Internal Hoist Winch Improves Transport and Access
According to Jepson, the hoist winch is mounted inside the first jib section, reducing transport requirements and improving operational efficiency. The larger drum design also reduces the number of rope layers required for high-rise construction projects.
Hydraulic Cylinder Design Simplifies Maintenance
The crane’s hydraulic luffing cylinder uses a bolted assembly system rather than threaded end caps, simplifying maintenance and repair procedures. The crane also includes a self-removal system for the cylinder, further improving serviceability and reducing maintenance downtime.
Compact Tower Width Supports Internal Climbing Applications
The crane’s 1.6-metre tower width makes it suitable for:
Lift-shaft installations
Internal climbing applications
Restricted-access projects
City Lifting also noted that counterweights are easier and safer to install because they are transported and fitted in the same orientation.
City Lifting Praises Liebherr Technical Support
City Lifting credited Liebherr’s technical support team for assisting throughout the procurement and preparation process.
“Liebherr’s support has been excellent, providing detailed loadings and technical guidance throughout,” said Jepson.
“We look forward to continuing our work with the team in the future.”
About City Lifting
City Lifting is one of the UK’s leading mobile and tower crane hire specialists, headquartered in Purfleet, Essex. The company provides lifting solutions for major construction, infrastructure, and landmark projects throughout London and across the United Kingdom.
City Lifting specialises in complex urban lifting operations, high-rise developments, and constrained-access construction projects, operating a modern fleet of mobile cranes, tower cranes, and specialist lifting equipment.
Website: https://www.citylifting.co.uk
About Liebherr
Founded in 1949, the Liebherr Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction and heavy lifting equipment. The company produces a broad portfolio of cranes, earthmoving machinery, mining equipment, and industrial technologies serving infrastructure, energy, logistics, and construction industries worldwide.
Liebherr Tower Cranes is internationally recognised for advanced luffing jib crane technology, digital operating systems, and innovative lifting solutions designed for complex urban construction projects.
Website: :https://www.liebherr.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Liebherr 195 HC-LH?
The Liebherr 195 HC-LH is a luffing jib tower crane designed for high-density urban construction projects and restricted-access job sites.
Who purchased the UK’s first Liebherr 195 HC-LH?
The first Liebherr 195 HC-LH in the UK was delivered to Essex-based crane and lifting specialist City Lifting.
Why is the crane suited for inner-city construction?
The crane features a compact design, short working radius, flexible configuration options, and efficient transport logistics, making it ideal for tight urban construction sites.
What technologies are included on the Liebherr 195 HC-LH?
Key technologies include a hydraulic luffing system, Load-Plus lifting enhancement system, and Liebherr Tower Crane OS operating platform.
Where will the crane first be deployed?
The crane’s first project will be a housing development in Essex, United Kingdom.
