Liebherr LTM 1250-5.1 Dismantles Scaffolding at Saint-Michel Basilica in Bordeaux
- Meagan Wood
- Mar 10
- 4 min read
30-Second Takeaway
A Liebherr LTM 1250-5.1 mobile crane carried out precision lifting operations at the Saint-Michel Basilica tower in Bordeaux, dismantling heavy scaffolding used during the restoration of the historic structure. The five-axle crane, equipped with a hydraulically adjustable double folding jib, successfully handled steel components weighing more than four tonnes at heights approaching 80 metres.
Liebherr Mobile Crane Supports Historic Restoration Project
A Liebherr LTM 1250-5.1 all terrain crane has completed a complex lifting operation at the Saint-Michel Basilica tower in Bordeaux, France, helping dismantle the large scaffolding structure used during the tower’s restoration.
The 114-metre-high freestanding church tower, a UNESCO World Heritage landmark, had undergone an extensive renovation programme over the past five years.
Once the restoration work was completed, the massive steel scaffolding structure surrounding the tower needed to be dismantled safely and carefully without damaging the newly restored architectural features. French industrial services company Groupe Foselev was tasked with completing the lifting operation.
Liebherr LTM 1250-5.1 Makes Its First Operational Deployment
The project marked the maiden job for Foselev’s new Liebherr LTM 1250-5.1, one of the most powerful five-axle mobile cranes currently available.
The crane was configured with:
60-metre telescopic main boom
Luffing jib
22-metre hydraulically adjustable double folding jib
This configuration enabled the crane to reach a maximum hook height of approximately 81 metres while maintaining sufficient lifting capacity to safely remove the heavy scaffolding components. The equipment proved particularly effective for handling the complex structure surrounding the tower spire.
Hydraulically Adjustable Jib Overcomes Structural Obstructions
One of the main challenges of the operation was the presence of a scaffolding edge at around 68 metres, which obstructed direct access to the lifting points.
Using the hydraulically adjustable double folding jib, the crane operator was able to carefully adjust the angle of the lattice tip to guide the hook block precisely inside the structure.
The scaffolding encircled the tower with a diameter of approximately 25 metres, enclosing the freestanding stone structure which stands separate from the basilica itself.
With the chosen configuration, the LTM 1250-5.1 was able to dismantle the scaffolding from just two crane positions, improving efficiency while maintaining safe operations.
High Precision Required for Historic Environment
The lifting work required exceptional accuracy to avoid damaging the newly restored architectural elements on the tower. Scaffolding components weighing more than four tonnes were attached to the crane hook at height and carefully manoeuvred through the dense steel framework.
Operators needed to guide the loads safely past:
Decorative finials
Small tower turrets
Newly restored masonry elements
Workers involved in the dismantling process praised the crane’s precise load control during the operation.
“Très, très précis,”
commented one of the scaffolding specialists, highlighting the centimetre-accurate guidance of the crane hook.
Positive First Experience for Crane Operator
For crane operator David, the project was also notable as his first time operating a Liebherr crane. Having previously worked with equipment from other manufacturers, he quickly adapted to the new machine.
“Switching to Liebherr is a bit like switching from a Renault to a Mercedes,” he commented with a smile.
During the project he also carried out a complex manoeuvre moving the crane with the boom raised and the jib attached, repositioning the machine to the opposite side of the tower in about one hour.
Foselev Expands Liebherr Crane Fleet
The successful project highlighted the capabilities of the Liebherr LTM 1250-5.1, particularly its hydraulic jib system and lifting performance.
Joël Karotsch, head of Foselev Sud Ouest in Bordeaux, praised the crane’s performance.
“A perfect crane for this task. The hydraulic jib is particularly convenient and indispensable for this type of application.”
The Foselev Group operates a fleet of more than 500 cranes, with around 30 units based in Bordeaux. Approximately one-third of the company’s crane fleet is manufactured by Liebherr, a proportion that continues to increase.
Karotsch explained that the company values Liebherr’s modern technology, robust equipment design and reliable customer support.
About Groupe Foselev
Groupe Foselev is a French industrial services company specialising in heavy lifting, maintenance, industrial services and logistics solutions. The group operates an extensive fleet of cranes supporting infrastructure, energy and industrial projects across Europe.
Website: https://www.foselev.com
About Liebherr
Liebherr is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction machinery and lifting equipment, producing mobile cranes, crawler cranes and tower cranes used in construction, infrastructure and industrial projects worldwide.
Website: https://www.liebherr.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What crane was used at the Saint-Michel Basilica project?
A Liebherr LTM 1250-5.1 five-axle mobile crane was used to dismantle the scaffolding structure.
How tall is the Saint-Michel Basilica tower?
The freestanding tower stands approximately 114 metres high.
What lifting capacity was required during the project?
Scaffolding components weighing over four tonnes were lifted and carefully removed.
What jib configuration was used on the crane?
The crane was equipped with a luffing jib and a 22-metre hydraulically adjustable double folding jib.
Who carried out the lifting operation?
The work was performed by French industrial services company Groupe Foselev.
