First Liebherr Mobile Cranes with LICCON3 Delivered to South Africa
- Meagan Wood
- Mar 17
- 4 min read
30-Second Takeaway
Concord Cranes and Marlboro Crane Hire have become the first companies in Africa to receive Liebherr LTM 1100-5.3 mobile cranes equipped with the new LICCON3 control system. The investment reflects a growing demand for smarter, safer, and more efficient lifting solutions in South Africa. LICCON3 introduces enhanced safety features, improved operational efficiency, and a redesigned user interface, while the LTM 1100-5.3’s taxi crane capabilities and high ballast capacity provide significant logistical and cost advantages for crane hire operations.
Liebherr LICCON3 Technology Enters the African Market
The rollout of Liebherr’s LICCON3 crane control system has reached a key milestone with its first deliveries in Africa. Concord Cranes and Marlboro Crane Hire, two of South Africa’s leading crane hire companies, have taken delivery of the LTM 1100-5.3 mobile crane, marking the introduction of this next-generation technology to the region.
The new cranes are part of both companies’ strategies to invest in advanced, efficient, and safety-focused lifting solutions.
Driving Fleet Modernisation in South Africa
Marlboro Crane Hire, founded in 1992, operates a fleet of approximately 125 cranes with lifting capacities of up to 1,200 tonnes. The acquisition of the LTM 1100-5.3 forms part of a broader fleet replacement programme targeting cranes above 80 tonnes.
Concord Cranes, part of the Bud Group, provides crane hire, rigging, and specialized transport services across southern Africa, with a strong focus on innovation and operational agility.
These investments highlight a regional shift toward modern crane technologies that enhance performance and reduce operational risks.
LICCON3: Advanced Technology for Safer, Smarter Lifting
The Liebherr LICCON3 crane control system represents the third generation of Liebherr’s control technology, delivering significant upgrades in performance and usability.
Key benefits include:
Enhanced real-time load monitoring
Advanced driver assistance systems
Improved data processing and visualization
Redesigned touchscreen interface for intuitive operation
Telemetry and fleet management readiness
The system also integrates closely with VarioBase®, enabling real-time calculation of safe lifting capacities for asymmetrical outrigger setups—critical for operations in confined or complex job sites.
“With the new LICCON3 system, one will experience the same familiar simplicity of LICCON2, now enhanced with a modern interface and the practical engineering excellence that Liebherr is known for,” said Wayne McCullagh, CEO of Concord Cranes.
LTM 1100-5.3: Efficient Taxi Crane with Strong Performance
The Liebherr LTM 1100-5.3 offers a combination of mobility, efficiency, and lifting performance, making it highly suitable for crane hire operations.
Key specifications and advantages include:
62-metre telescopic boom
Hoisting heights up to 76 metres with lattice extensions
Operating radius up to 64 metres
16.9 tonnes of counterweight transportable on public roads
This configuration allows the crane to operate as a taxi crane under a 12-tonne axle load limit, reducing the need for additional transport vehicles and improving cost efficiency.
“Because of its ability to travel with this high amount of ballast, the crane reduces the need for additional trucks to transport counterweight,” said Kathleen Dias, Managing Director of Marlboro Crane Hire.
Design, Safety, and Operator Experience
Beyond performance, customers have highlighted the modern design and improved operator experience of LICCON3 cranes.
The new system features:
Premium materials and streamlined aesthetics
Simplified and clearer data display
Touchscreen controls for ease of use
RemoteDrive functionality, allowing operators to position the crane externally using remote control
These enhancements contribute to improved safety, comfort, and operational precision, addressing key industry priorities.
Aftermarket Support Drives Investment Decisions
A critical factor in the purchasing decision for both companies is Liebherr’s strong aftermarket support, particularly in minimizing downtime.
Key support benefits include:
Fast access to spare parts and technicians
Reliable service networks across the region
Long equipment lifespan exceeding 30 years
“As a lifting company, we treat aftermarket support as a critical factor… With Liebherr-Africa, we have quick access to technicians and spare parts, thus maximising equipment uptime,” said Kathleen Dias.
Setting New Benchmarks for the Region
The introduction of the Liebherr LICCON3 crane control system in South Africa is expected to set new standards for:
Operational efficiency
Safety performance
Reliability and uptime
“We are confident that it will set new benchmarks for performance, reliability and efficiency,” said Francois Pretorius, Sales Manager at Liebherr-Africa.
As demand grows for advanced lifting solutions, LICCON3-equipped cranes are positioned to play a key role in shaping the future of the African heavy lifting industry.
About Liebherr
The Liebherr Group is a global leader in construction machinery and crane technology, known for its innovation, durability, and advanced control systems such as LICCON3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LICCON3 crane control system?
The Liebherr LICCON3 system is the latest generation crane control technology, offering improved safety, efficiency, and user-friendly operation.
Which companies received the first LICCON3 cranes in Africa?
Concord Cranes and Marlboro Crane Hire are the first companies in Africa to receive LICCON3-equipped cranes.
What model crane was delivered?
Both companies received the Liebherr LTM 1100-5.3 mobile crane.
What are the key benefits of the LTM 1100-5.3?
It offers strong performance, a 62 m boom, high mobility, and the ability to operate as a taxi crane with 16.9 tonnes of ballast.
Why is aftermarket support important in crane operations?
Strong aftermarket support ensures minimal downtime, fast repairs, and long-term equipment reliability, which are critical for profitability in the lifting industry.
