Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1 Reaches 104 Metres for European Parliament HVAC Replacement
30-Second Takeaway
A Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1 operated by STEIL Kranarbeiten has replaced six air-conditioning units at the European Parliament in Luxembourg, reaching set-down positions up to 104 metres from the crane. Organised by ATS Cranes, the operation used a 91 metre luffing jib mounted on a telescopic boom extended to 28.2 metres. A 1.7 metre runner at the jib head supplied the additional reach needed for the final position. Despite restricted assembly space and a tightly controlled weekend road closure, the equipment left the site eight hours before the deadline.
Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1
ATS Cranes coordinated a long-reach lifting operation to replace the European Parliament’s air-conditioning equipment in Luxembourg. STEIL Kranarbeiten, based in Trier, supplied and operated the Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1, removing six existing units and installing their replacements. Individual loads weighed up to five tonnes. The main challenge was reaching across the building from the available crane position while accommodating the densely developed surroundings. The furthest set-down point was approximately 104 metres from the crane, making the boom and jib configuration central to the operation.
A 91-Metre Luffing Jib and 1.7-Metre Runner
The crane was configured with a 91 metre luffing lattice jib, mounted on the telescopic boom extended to 28.2 metres. Even with the longest available luffing-jib arrangement, the final installation position remained beyond reach. The team fitted a 1.7 metre runner at the jib head, providing the extra reach needed to access the roof position. Liebherr’s project account identifies this attachment as the decisive addition that made the lift possible.
The configuration demonstrates how a comparatively small attachment can determine whether a crane can reach a specific installation point.
Road Closures and Hospital Access Define the Schedule
Two roads between the European Parliament and European Investment Bank had to close completely for crane assembly and logistics. The operation also had to accommodate access requirements for a nearby hospital and potential air ambulance activity. These constraints established a working window from 06:00 on Friday until 22:00 on Sunday, covering mobilisation, assembly, lifting, dismantling and departure. The schedule required the teams to coordinate the lifting work with the surrounding access arrangements throughout the weekend.
Seven-Hour Crane Assembly in Restricted Space
Assembly of the LTM 1650-8.1 took approximately seven hours. The long lattice jib was installed with assistance from an auxiliary crane. Restricted space required that crane to work head-on, rather than from a conventional side position. Preparing the complete configuration within the available area was an important part of the programme, ensuring the crane was ready for the unit exchange on Saturday.
Six Units Exchanged on Saturday
The six existing air-conditioning units were removed and their replacements installed on Saturday. Dismantling began on Sunday morning. By 14:00, the crane and associated equipment had left the site, completing the operation eight hours before the closure window expired.
Christopher Steil, managing director of STEIL Kranarbeiten, said:
“This operation demonstrates that when it comes to long reach, every detail counts. The careful preparation and precise coordination of all those involved were crucial to carrying out the lifts safely and within the tight time frame.”
About STEIL Kranarbeiten
STEIL Kranarbeiten is a German crane and specialised transport company based in Trier.
Founded by Michael Steil in 1924, the business developed into a provider of lifting, assembly and transport services. Its operations support customers in industrial, energy, infrastructure and construction markets, with projects extending beyond the greater Trier region into neighbouring countries and across Europe.
The company’s network includes locations in Trier, Wittlich, Hochspeyer, Ludwigshafen, Blieskastel and Saarwellingen, alongside its Luxembourg operation. Its services encompass mobile and crawler crane work, providing equipment and expertise for varied lifting requirements.
Official website: www.steil-kranarbeiten.de
About ATS Cranes
ATS Cranes S.A. is STEIL Kranarbeiten’s Luxembourg operation, established in 2002.
The business provides crane services in Luxembourg and forms part of STEIL’s regional network. It also offers a 24-hour emergency contact service.
For the European Parliament assignment, ATS organised the operation while STEIL supplied and operated the LTM 1650-8.1, combining local coordination with specialist lifting resources.
Official website: ATS Cranes Luxembourg
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 mobile crane configurations include boom extensions, fixed jibs and luffing jibs, allowing equipment to be adapted to different lifting heights, radii and site constraints.
Official website: www.liebherr.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Which crane replaced the air-conditioning units?
STEIL Kranarbeiten used a Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1, with ATS Cranes organising the operation.
How far did the crane need to reach?
The furthest set-down position was approximately 104 metres from the crane.
What configuration was used?
The crane had a 91 metre luffing jib on a telescopic boom extended to 28.2 metres, plus a 1.7 metre runner.
How heavy were the loads?
Individual air-conditioning units weighed up to five tonnes.
Was the operation completed within the road closure window?
Yes. The equipment left at 14:00 on Sunday, eight hours before the agreed 22:00 deadline.
