Liebherr LR 1500 Joins Weldex Fleet in Five-Crane Investment
30-Second Takeaway
Weldex has taken delivery of a Liebherr LR 1500, adding a 500 tonne lattice boom crawler crane to its rental fleet. Ordered with an 84 metre main boom and a 30 metre derrick system, the crane went straight to work after delivery and commissioning. It forms part of a five-crane package spanning capacities from 150 to 700 tonnes, including an LTR 1150, two LR 1300.1 units and an LR 1700-1.0. Managing director Iain McGilvray said Liebherr’s equipment and after-sales support underpinned the investment, continuing a relationship dating back to the 1990s.
Liebherr LR 1500
UK crawler crane rental specialist Weldex has put its new 500 tonne Liebherr LR 1500 into service following delivery and commissioning. The lattice boom crane is part of a wider order for five Liebherr crawler cranes, strengthening the fleet across several capacity classes.
Weldex specified the LR 1500 with an 84 metre main boom and 30 metre derrick system, a configuration Liebherr describes as providing versatility for complex lifting operations.
The crane was commissioned promptly and deployed directly to work, bringing the new equipment into the company’s active rental operation.
500-Tonne Capacity with a Transport-Focused Design
The LR 1500 combines lifting performance in the 500 tonne class with dimensions and component weights that Liebherr says are typically associated with 400 tonne crawler cranes.
The model’s design places emphasis on transportability as well as lifting capability, an important consideration for rental fleets moving equipment between projects.
Weldex’s selected boom and derrick arrangement provides equipment for work requiring both substantial capacity and reach. The derrick system supports the crane’s heavy lifting configuration, while the lattice boom can be assembled to suit project requirements.
Five Cranes from 150 to 700 Tonnes
The order combines telescopic and lattice boom crawler cranes, giving Weldex equipment for different lifting and mobilisation requirements.
Alongside the LR 1500, the package comprises:
A 150 tonne Liebherr LTR 1150, equipped with a 52 metre telescopic boom.
Two 300 tonne Liebherr LR 1300.1 lattice boom crawler cranes.
A 700 tonne Liebherr LR 1700-1.0.
One LR 1300.1 has already been delivered. The second LR 1300.1 and the LR 1700-1.0 are scheduled to follow. The package broadens capacity across the fleet rather than concentrating the investment in a single heavy lifting class.
LR 1300.1 Cranes Specified for Extended Reach
Both LR 1300.1 units were ordered with 74 metres of main boom. A 35 metre fixed jib provides a stated hoisting height of 109 metres, extending their usefulness for projects involving elevated installation positions. The two matching cranes also give Weldex a consistent configuration within the 300 tonne segment of its fleet.
Longstanding Relationship with Liebherr
Weldex’s relationship with Liebherr dates back more than three decades.
The company cited both crane performance and support from the manufacturer’s factory and UK organisation as reasons for placing the latest order.
Iain McGilvray, managing director of Weldex, said:
“We have a long-standing relationship with Liebherr which dates back to the 1990s. The combination of class-leading cranes and excellent after-sales back-up from the factory and the Liebherr Great Britain team provided us with the confidence to purchase this latest package of cranes.”
About Weldex
Weldex was established by the McGilvray family in 1979 to supply cranes to construction companies across Scotland. It subsequently developed into a crawler crane rental specialist serving customers throughout the UK and international markets.
The company describes itself as the UK’s largest crawler crane hire business. Its fleet ranges from compact five tonne machines to crawler cranes with capacities of up to 1,350 tonnes, supporting projects with widely differing load, reach and access requirements.
Weldex serves construction and industrial customers across markets including infrastructure, power generation, oil and gas, and offshore work. Its equipment offering combines telescopic and lattice boom crawler cranes, providing options for both smaller site operations and major heavy lifting projects.
Official website: www.weldex.co.uk
About Liebherr
Liebherr is a family-owned equipment and technology manufacturer founded by Hans Liebherr in 1949 in Kirchdorf an der Iller, Germany. Its lifting portfolio includes mobile and crawler cranes, tower cranes, mobile construction cranes and maritime cranes.
Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH, established in 1969, develops and manufactures telescopic and lattice boom cranes on mobile and crawler chassis. These machines serve construction, industrial installation, infrastructure, energy and heavy lifting applications worldwide.
The manufacturer supports crane owners through technical assistance, spare parts, training and planning services. Its crawler crane portfolio includes both LR lattice boom models and LTR telescopic boom models, allowing customers to select equipment around lifting performance, site conditions and transport requirements.
Official website: www.liebherr.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Which crane has Weldex received?
Weldex has received a 500 tonne Liebherr LR 1500 lattice boom crawler crane.
What configuration was ordered?
The crane was supplied with an 84 metre main boom and a 30 metre derrick system.
How many cranes are included in the investment?
The package comprises five cranes with capacities ranging from 150 to 700 tonnes.
Which other models are in the order?
The order includes an LTR 1150, two LR 1300.1 cranes and an LR 1700-1.0.
Has the LR 1500 started work?
Yes. Weldex deployed it following delivery and commissioning.
