King Lifting Begins Deliveries from Major Liebherr Order and Adds Further Units
- Meagan Wood
- Oct 12, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 20
30 Second Takeaway
King Lifting has started taking delivery of the first cranes from its 19-unit Liebherr order placed earlier this year, with several machines already entering service across the UK. At the same time, the company has confirmed an additional four Liebherr cranes for delivery in Q1 2023, reinforcing its commitment to fleet modernisation, heavy-lift capability and long-term support for infrastructure and industrial projects.
Deliveries Underway from Major Liebherr Order
King Lifting has begun receiving cranes from its 19-unit Liebherr order, originally placed in February, with several machines already delivered and deployed into active service.
To date, the following cranes have arrived:
Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1
Liebherr LTM 1350-6.1
Liebherr LTM 1150-6.2
Three Liebherr LTM 1060-3.1 models
These cranes have gone directly into operation, supporting projects across construction, infrastructure and energy sectors.
LTM 1650-8.1: High-Capacity Heavy Lifting
Flexible Configuration for Complex Projects
The eight-axle Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1 has been supplied with both 54-metre and 80-metre main boom options. When combined with its 21- to 91-metre luffing jib and Y-guying system, the crane can achieve hook heights of up to 152 metres and working radii of up to 112 metres.
The crane is also capable of fixed jib operation within King Lifting’s specification. Its hydraulically adjustable VarioBallast® system allows ballast radius changes between 6.4 metres and 8.4 metres, improving flexibility on constrained sites.
Powered by Stage V engines, the crane is equipped with VarioBase®, ECOdrive and ECOmode, enhancing efficiency and reducing emissions.
Strengthening the Heavy Crane Fleet
Additional High-Capacity Units
To further expand its heavy crane offering, King Lifting has also taken delivery of a Liebherr LTM 1350-6.1, equipped with a 70-metre main boom, Y-guying system and a 78-metre luffing jib. With an adaptor installed, the crane can operate with a maximum fixed jib length of 42 metres.
In addition, another Liebherr LTM 1500-8.1, operating with a Stage IV engine, has been purchased to support large-scale infrastructure projects, including work on HS2.
Versatile Mid-Range Capability
LTM 1150-5.3 Joins the Fleet
The five-axle Liebherr LTM 1150-5.3, supplied with double fly jib and VarioBase®, features a 66-metre, seven-section main boom. A bi-fold swingaway fly jib offsets hydraulically by up to 40 degrees, with an additional seven-metre extension enabling a maximum tip height of nearly 95 metres and a maximum radius of 72 metres.
The crane can travel on UK roads carrying 29 tonnes of counterweight, double fly jib and hook block while remaining within 16.5-tonne axle loads, with a maximum counterweight of 45 tonnes.
Safety and Efficiency as Standard
Ready for Industrial Environments
All newly delivered cranes are powered by Stage V engines and fitted with VarioBase®, ECOdrive and ECOmode. As with all King Lifting cranes above 100 tonnes, Liebherr’s engine shutdown system has been installed, ensuring compliance and safe operation in oil, gas and petrochemical environments.
Additional Orders Confirmed for 2023
Continued Investment
Alongside deliveries from the original order, King Lifting has confirmed a further four Liebherr cranes for delivery in Q1 2023, including:
Liebherr LTM 1230-5.1
Liebherr LTM 1090-4.1
Liebherr LTM 1060-3.1
This continued investment reflects the company’s strategy of maintaining one of the most modern and capable crane fleets in the UK.
Company Perspective
Tristan King, Managing Director at King Lifting, said:
“We are delighted to start taking delivery of cranes from our initial order with Liebherr, whilst also increasing the overall number of units we operate throughout the UK to further support our valued and expanding client base.”
About King Lifting
Founded in 1982 by chairman Bob King, King Lifting is the UK’s largest family-owned mobile crane hire company. The business operates a fleet of more than 120 all-terrain, tower and crawler cranes, with capacities from eight tonnes upwards, supported by a network of nine depots across the UK and Europe.
Website: https://www.kinglifting.co.uk
About Liebherr
The Liebherr Group is a global manufacturer of construction machinery and material handling equipment, recognised for innovation, safety and efficiency across its mobile crane portfolio.
Website: https://www.liebherr.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cranes are included in King Lifting’s original Liebherr order?
The original order includes 19 Liebherr cranes.
Which cranes have already been delivered?
Deliveries include the LTM 1650-8.1, LTM 1350-6.1, LTM 1150-6.2 and three LTM 1060-3.1 cranes.
What additional cranes have been ordered for 2023?
Four more units have been ordered, including the LTM 1230-5.1, LTM 1090-4.1 and LTM 1060-3.1.
Are the cranes suitable for industrial and refinery work?
Yes, all cranes over 100 tonnes are fitted with Liebherr’s engine shutdown system.
Where does King Lifting operate?
King Lifting operates across the UK and Europe through nine depots.
