ESB Kranverleih Adds Liebherr LTM 1055-3.3 with LICCON3 Controls
30-Second Takeaway
German crane rental company ESB Kranverleih has taken delivery of a Liebherr LTM 1055-3.3, replacing an older machine as part of its fleet modernisation. Ordered at bauma 2025, the 55-tonne crane entered service at the end of May 2026. The investment coincides with a family leadership transition, with third-generation family member Larissa Maurer joining the management team.
First LICCON3 Crane for ESB
ESB Kranverleih has expanded its fleet with a 55-tonne Liebherr LTM 1055-3.3 all-terrain crane, its first machine equipped with Liebherr’s LICCON3 control system. The Mittelbiberach-based rental company ordered the crane at bauma 2025 and placed it into service at the end of May 2026. It replaces an older unit in the fleet.
Managing director Karl Engeser Jr. said compact dimensions, lifting performance and travel flexibility were central to the purchase.
“In our operating area around Biberach and within a radius of around 40 kilometres, confined construction sites and limited space are daily challenges.”
He added that the three-axle machine’s manoeuvrability and ability to mobilise as a taxi crane suited those local requirements.
Inside the Liebherr LTM 1055-3.3
The LTM 1055-3.3 has a maximum lifting capacity of 55 tonnes at a three-metre radius. Its telescopic main boom extends from 9.9 to 40 metres. Liebherr lists a maximum lattice jib length of 15 metres, a maximum hoist height of 54 metres and a maximum working radius of 46 metres. These figures describe different configurations within the crane’s operating envelope.
The model’s published specifications include a six-cylinder Cummins diesel engine rated at 243 kW, standard 6 × 4 × 6 drive and steering, a maximum travel speed of 85 km/h and a maximum ballast package of 11 tonnes. These are model specifications rather than confirmation of every item supplied with ESB’s crane.
LICCON3 Brings Updated Control Technology
The delivery introduces Liebherr’s third-generation LICCON crane controls to ESB’s fleet.
LICCON3 retains the established operating approach of earlier generations while adding a faster data bus, greater computing power and more storage. The platform is also prepared for telematics and fleet-management functions.
The LTM 1055-3.3 model incorporates VarioBase Plus, combining variable outrigger positioning with a trapezoidal support arrangement. This provides configuration flexibility and supports increased lifting capacities particularly over the rear outriggers.
Compact Mobility for Local Crane Hire
For ESB, access to the lifting position is a recurring consideration. The company works on confined sites where narrow approaches and limited setup space can affect equipment selection.
The LTM 1055-3.3 was developed around reduced transport weight. Liebherr states that configurations below nine tonnes per axle and below 26 tonnes total weight are possible, depending on the equipment carried.
Its travel flexibility supports the taxi-crane role described by ESB: a machine able to move between local assignments with a practical onboard equipment configuration. Applicable road permissions depend on the selected transport arrangement and route.
Two-Tonne Panels Lifted During House Assembly
After entering service in May, the crane was deployed on a prefabricated-house project in July. During that assignment, it lifted modules weighing approximately two tonnes to a height of 24 metres. The job also involved a difficult, narrow access route and challenging terrain. The lift demonstrates the type of local assembly work for which ESB selected the crane, combining access requirements with reach above the structure.
Fleet Modernisation and Family Succession
ESB operates 11 Liebherr mobile cranes with capacities ranging from 35 to 230 tonnes and employs 11 crane operators. Alongside equipment investment, the company is progressing a family leadership transition. Karl Engeser Sr. has stepped back from day-to-day responsibilities while continuing to contribute his experience. Karl Engeser Jr. oversees the commercial side of the business. Larissa Maurer joined the management team on January 1, 2026, representing the family’s third generation.
About ESB Kranverleih
ESB Kranverleih Transport und Hebetechnik GmbH is a family-run crane hire and lifting services company based in Mittelbiberach, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Founded in Biberach in 1981 by Karl Engeser Sr. and Rolf Staudhammer, the business relocated to Mittelbiberach in 1992.
The company provides mobile crane services for projects across the surrounding region, supporting customers with lift planning, crane positioning, permits and required site traffic-control measures. Its equipment serves a range of construction, installation and material-handling assignments.
Website: www.esb-kranverleih.de
About Liebherr
Founded in 1949, Liebherr is a family-owned technology group and equipment manufacturer serving construction, lifting, mining, maritime and other industrial markets. Its crane portfolio includes mobile and crawler cranes, tower cranes and maritime lifting equipment.
Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH, based in Ehingen, Germany, develops and manufactures mobile and crawler cranes, including the LTM telescopic all-terrain range. Its crane technologies include LICCON controls, variable outrigger systems and equipment configurations designed to support lifting performance and transport flexibility.
Website: www.liebherr.com
FAQ
What crane has ESB Kranverleih added to its fleet?
ESB has taken delivery of a 55-tonne Liebherr LTM 1055-3.3 all-terrain crane.
Why is this delivery significant for ESB?
It is the company’s first crane equipped with Liebherr’s LICCON3 control system.
How long is the main boom?
The telescopic main boom extends to 40 metres.
When did the crane enter service?
It began working at the end of May 2026.
What work has it completed?
A July assignment involved lifting approximately two-tonne prefabricated-house modules to a height of 24 metres.
