LTM 1650-8.1 Becomes RT trans’ Most Powerful Mobile Crane
- Meagan Wood
- May 5, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 1
30-Second Takeaway
Serbian crane and heavy haulage specialist RT trans d.o.o. has expanded its fleet with a Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1, now the most powerful mobile crane the company operates. The 700-tonne, 8-axle crane was selected to meet growing regional demand for high-capacity lifting, particularly in wind energy, industrial construction, and heavy maintenance work. Its high mobility, flexible axle load configurations, and fast boom assembly have already been proven on its first job at the Kovačica wind farm.
LTM 1650-8.1 Strengthens RT trans’ Heavy Lifting Capabilities
RT trans d.o.o., a Serbian crane and heavy haulage company, has added a Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1 mobile crane to its fleet. The crane is now the company’s largest and represents the second 8-axle Liebherr mobile crane purchased by RT trans within the last three years.
The investment was driven by increasing demand for higher lifting capacities across Serbia and the wider region. In addition to performance, RT trans cited Liebherr crane quality and long-standing cooperation with local Liebherr sales and service partner D.S. Inženjering as decisive factors.
“We decided in favour of the LTM 1650-8.1 because demand for higher lifting capacities is increasing significantly in Serbia and across the region,” explains Duško Tadić, co-owner of RT trans and son of company founder Rajko Tadić.
High Mobility and a Wide Range of Applications
The Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1 was designed with global transport flexibility in mind. Multiple axle load and transport weight configurations allow the crane to be moved economically with axle loads below and above 12 tonnes, depending on regional regulations.
“High mobility was a key decision factor for us,” says Tadić. “The various axle load options and the fast assembly and dismantling of the telescopic boom mean we can deploy the crane efficiently with only a small crew.”
RT trans plans to use the LTM 1650-8.1 primarily for:
Industrial plant construction
Wind farm erection
Wind turbine maintenance and repair
Heavy lifting and specialized crane operations
RT trans employs approximately 50 people and operates 24 cranes, 20 of which are Liebherr machines reflecting the company’s long-term confidence in the manufacturer.
Proven in Operation at the Kovačica Wind Farm
The first assignment for the new LTM 1650-8.1 took the crane to the Kovačica wind farm, where a damaged wind turbine blade needed replacement.
Lift details:
Blade weight: 14 tonnes
Special lifting tool: 14 tonnes
Total lifted load: 29.5 tonnes (including hook block and rigging)
Radius: 32 metres
Hook height: 120 metres
For the job, the crane was configured in the T3YV2EN boom version, featuring:
51-metre telescopic boom with Y-guying
Boom extension and eccentric
59.5-metre luffing jib
Service technicians from Liebherr Ehingen and D.S. Inženjering supported RT trans during the initial assembly. A Liebherr LTM 1120-4.1 was used as an auxiliary crane. Despite limited space and soft ground conditions, both setup and lifting operations were completed
without issues.
Crane operator Stojadin Jovanovic praised the machine:
“The LTM 1650-8.1 is excellent to work with. Despite its enormous lifting capacity and wide range of boom configurations, it is very easy to set up. The quick dismantling of the telescopic boom is especially impressive.”
About RT trans d.o.o.
RT trans d.o.o. is a Serbian crane and heavy haulage company specializing in mobile crane operations, heavy transport, and complex lifting solutions. Employing around 50 professionals, the company operates a fleet of 24 cranes, the majority of which are Liebherr models. RT trans serves industrial construction, energy, infrastructure, and wind power projects throughout Serbia and the wider Balkan region, relying on modern equipment and long-standing technical partnerships.
About Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of mobile and crawler cranes. Its product range extends from 35-tonne 2-axle cranes to 1,200-tonne heavy-duty mobile cranes, as well as lattice boom cranes with lifting capacities of up to 3,000 tonnes.
The Ehingen site employs around 5,000 people and is supported by a global service network ensuring high crane availability. In 2024, Liebherr-Werk Ehingen achieved revenues of €3.19 billion.
About the Liebherr Group
The Liebherr Group is a family-owned technology company with a highly diversified product portfolio. Operating more than 150 companies worldwide, Liebherr employs over 50,000 people and generated combined revenues of more than €14 billion in 2024. Founded in 1949, the group continues to focus on technological innovation, quality manufacturing, and long-term customer partnerships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lifting capacity of the Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1?
The LTM 1650-8.1 has a maximum lifting capacity of 700 tonnes.
Why did RT trans choose the LTM 1650-8.1?
RT trans selected the crane due to growing demand for high-capacity lifting, its excellent mobility, flexible axle load options, and trusted cooperation with Liebherr.
What industries will the crane be used in?
The crane will be used in wind energy, industrial plant construction, and wind turbine maintenance and repair.
What was the crane’s first job?
Its first assignment was replacing a wind turbine blade at the Kovačica wind farm, lifting a total load of 29.5 tonnes at a 120-metre hook height.
How many Liebherr cranes does RT trans operate?
RT trans operates 20 Liebherr cranes out of a total fleet of 24.
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