Kranverleih Kunze Takes Delivery of Germany’s First Liebherr LTM 1055-3.3 with Ballast Trailer
- Meagan Wood
- May 6
- 4 min read
30-Second Takeaway
German crane rental company Kranverleih Kunze has taken delivery of the first Liebherr LTM 1055-3.3 configured with a ballast trailer in Germany. The innovative transport setup allows the crane to move with its full 11-tonne ballast nationwide under permanent authorisations, eliminating the need for repeated permit applications while improving deployment speed and operational flexibility.
Kranverleih Kunze Expands Fleet with Germany’s First Liebherr LTM 1055-3.3 Ballast Trailer Combination
German crane rental specialist Kranverleih Kunze has strengthened its fleet with the delivery of the country’s first Liebherr LTM 1055-3.3 mobile crane configured with a dedicated ballast trailer solution.
The new setup enables the company to transport the crane’s complete 11-tonne ballast across Germany without requiring additional individual transport permits, offering a major advantage for nationwide crane operations.
At the official handover in Ehingen were representatives from both companies, including Dirk Kunze, Managing Director of Kranverleih Kunze, alongside Liebherr representatives Sven Bahms and Friedrich Guder.
The Liebherr LTM 1055-3.3 is designed as one of the lightest 3-axle all-terrain cranes currently available on the market. Its lightweight construction enables axle loads below nine tonnes and, depending on configuration, a total vehicle weight of less than 26 tonnes.
The crane combines mobility with strong lifting performance, featuring a long telescopic boom capable of handling substantial loads at medium and larger radii.
“We can move the crane with a full ballast across federal states without having to wait for individual authorisations,”
Said Dirk Kunze, Managing Director of Kranverleih Kunze.
Innovative Ballast Trailer Solution Improves Nationwide Flexibility
The new ballast trailer system was developed by Liebherr in partnership with a local external partner to address transport and permit challenges commonly faced by crane operators in Germany.
Permanent Nationwide Authorisations Reduce Delays
The configuration complies with the “exempt-from-consultation” category under VwV-StVO §29, both as a standalone crane and as a towing combination with trailer.
Transport specifications include:
Maximum crane weight: 27.5 tonnes
Maximum towing combination weight: 41.8 tonnes
This allows licensing authorities to issue a general long-term operating permit valid across Germany, significantly reducing administrative delays and operational costs. Kunze explained that the permanent authorisation only needs renewal every three years, improving efficiency for nationwide deployments.
Faster Setup and Immediate Operational Readiness
The company can now arrive on-site, lift the full ballast directly from the trailer in a single lift, and begin operations immediately.
Using Liebherr’s VarioBase® Plus technology, the crane can achieve lifting capacities of up to 3.3 tonnes at a 30-metre radius.
LTM 1055-3.3 Designed as a Modern Taxi Crane
The new LTM 1055-3.3 replaces the previous LTM 1055-3.1 model in the company’s fleet.
Key Application Areas for the 55-Tonne Crane
According to the company, the crane will primarily support:
Industrial building construction
Concrete construction projects
Steel construction applications
Energy infrastructure work, including substations
Integration into an All-Liebherr Fleet
The crane joins an existing fleet consisting of:
LTC 1050-3.1
LTM 1120-4.1
MK 88-4.1E
MK 140-5.1E
The company said maintaining a fully Liebherr fleet ensures operational consistency, servicing advantages, and simplified maintenance management.
First Projects Completed in Dresden
The new LTM 1055-3.3 completed its first assignment in Dresden during early April.
Prefabricated Slab Installation at IMA Research Institute
Working for the IMA materials research institute, the crane handled hollow-core prefabricated slabs and lifting tongs with a combined weight of approximately 5.5 tonnes.
The project required two days on-site, including setup and dismantling.
Chimney Dismantling at Former Waste-to-Energy Plant
Shortly after, the crane moved to another nearby project at a former waste-to-energy facility in Dresden, where it worked alongside a Liebherr LTM 1120-4.1 to dismantle a chimney.
For the chimney dismantling operation, the crane was configured with:
Double folding jib
9 tonnes of ballast
An additional 2-tonne ballast plate remained on the trailer during the operation.
Longstanding Partnership Between Liebherr and Kranverleih Kunze
The relationship between Liebherr and Kranverleih Kunze dates back to 2005, when Liebherr supported Dirk Kunze during the acquisition of the long-established Eisner company.
Fleet Growth and Business Expansion
Today, Kranverleih Kunze employs nine people and combines crane operations with transport logistics services.
In addition to its mobile crane fleet, the company also operates:
Loader cranes
Heavy transport vehicles
Logistics support equipment
Liebherr Continues to Support Operational Growth
“With Liebherr, we have a strong partner at our side whether uncomplicated processing for new purchases or trade-ins, financing solutions via Südleasing, or service in day-to-day operations,” said Kunze.
About Kranverleih Kunze
Kranverleih Kunze is a Germany-based crane rental and transport logistics company headquartered in Radeberg, Saxony. The company specialises in mobile crane services, industrial lifting operations, transport logistics, and project support for construction and infrastructure sectors across Germany.
The company operates an all-Liebherr crane fleet and serves industries including industrial construction, steel erection, energy infrastructure, and heavy transport.
Since taking over the long-established Eisner business in 2005, Managing Director Dirk
Kunze has continued expanding the company’s capabilities while focusing on operational flexibility and modern lifting solutions.
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 wide range of cranes, earthmoving machinery, mining equipment, and industrial solutions serving global infrastructure, energy, construction, and logistics industries.
Liebherr’s mobile crane division is internationally recognised for innovations in all-terrain crane technology, transport efficiency, and advanced lifting systems including VarioBase® and hybrid crane solutions.
Website: https://www.liebherr.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about the Liebherr LTM 1055-3.3?
The Liebherr LTM 1055-3.3 is considered one of the lightest 3-axle all-terrain cranes on the market, combining strong lifting capacities with highly flexible road transport capabilities.
Why is the ballast trailer important?
The ballast trailer allows the crane’s full 11-tonne ballast to be transported legally across Germany under permanent authorisations, avoiding the need for additional individual transport permits.
What industries will the crane support?
The crane will mainly work in industrial construction, concrete and steel construction, and energy infrastructure projects such as substations.
Where was the crane first deployed?
The first deployment took place in Dresden, Germany, where the crane handled prefabricated slabs and later assisted in chimney dismantling operations.
What other cranes are in Kranverleih Kunze’s fleet?
The company operates several Liebherr cranes, including the LTC 1050-3.1, LTM 1120-4.1, MK 88-4.1E, and MK 140-5.1E.
