MSG Krandienst Expands Large Crane Fleet with Liebherr LTM 1300-6.3 and LTM 1650-8.1
- Meagan Wood
- Nov 8, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 12
30-Second Takeaway
MSG Krandienst GmbH, operating across the Franco-German border region near Strasbourg, is expanding its large mobile crane fleet with two new Liebherr all-terrain cranes. A 300-tonne LTM 1300-6.3 has already been delivered, with a 700-tonne LTM 1650-8.1 to follow. The investment strengthens MSG’s position in the Alsace–Baden region, supporting major infrastructure and wind energy projects.
MSG Krandienst Strengthens Large Crane Capabilities
MSG Krandienst GmbH, known for its distinctive blue crane fleet, is expanding its portfolio of large Liebherr mobile cranes with deliveries from Liebherr’s Ehingen plant.
The company has already received a Liebherr LTM 1300-6.3, while delivery of a second machine an LTM 1650-8.1 with extensive equipment and two telescopic boom variants measuring 54 and 80 metres is scheduled for February.
The fleet expansion positions MSG to meet growing demand across the cross-border Alsace–Baden market.
90-Metre Telescopic Boom Key to LTM 1300-6.3 Selection
MSG Managing Director Björn Jatz travelled to Ehingen personally to take delivery of the 300-tonne LTM 1300-6.3.
“The 90-metre telescopic boom, which can be carried on the road with an axle load of 12 tonnes and is a unique feature of the crane in its class, was the decisive factor for us in purchasing it,” explains Jatz.
The new crane complements MSG’s existing large crane lineup, which includes the LTM 1750-9.1, LTM 1450-8.1, and soon three LTM 1650-8.1 units.
“One major advantage,” adds Jatz, “is that various lattice sections from these cranes can also be used on our new LTM 1300-6.3.”
Proven Performance Across the Liebherr Large Crane Fleet
LTM 1750-9.1
The 9-axle Liebherr LTM 1750-9.1 can carry its complete telescopic boom while travelling on public roads. With high lifting capacities, variable boom systems, and Y-guying, it covers a wide range of applications in industry, infrastructure, and the energy sector.
Designed for short setup times and maximum mobility, the crane features extensive comfort and safety systems, including lifting capacity tables for different wind speeds. Since 2020, an 800-tonne upgrade has been available, significantly increasing performance.
LTM 1450-8.1
The LTM 1450-8.1 is equipped with a 7-piece, 85-metre telescopic boom. For additional height, it can be configured with folding jibs, fixed jibs, or luffing jibs, all controlled using time-tested telematics technology.
The 8-axle crane is designed for cost-effective worldwide mobility and rapid setup. It can travel on public roads with a 12-tonne axle load, carrying its complete telescopic boom, outriggers, and hoist winch, enabling fast deployment on site. Technologies such as VarioBallast®, VarioBase®, ECOmode, and ECOdrive place it firmly at the forefront of modern crane technology.
LTM 1650-8.1
Unveiled at Bauma 2019, the LTM 1650-8.1 is the successor to the legendary LTM 1500-8.1, the best-selling large crane of all time.
With a nominal lifting capacity of 700 tonnes, the 8-axle heavy-duty crane exceeds its predecessor’s lifting performance by 15 to 50 percent, depending on configuration. It delivers ultimate performance for heavy hoisting operations in the 700-tonne class and beyond.
LTM 1300-6.3: World Record Telescopic Boom
The LTM 1300-6.3 sets a world record as the only mobile crane capable of carrying a complete 90-metre telescopic boom on public roads with a 12-tonne axle load.
The 6-axle fast-erecting crane combines versatility with efficiency and features advanced systems including:
VarioBase® Plus
VarioBallast®
Auto-ballast
Wind-speed-dependent load charts, ideal for wind turbine work
Its extensive lattice jib options allow lifting heights of up to 120 metres, making it a powerful solution for infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
Infrastructure and Wind Energy Drive Demand
Major infrastructure developments including the expansion of the Rhine Valley railway line and increased wind turbine service and repowering work in the Black Forest are keeping MSG’s order books full.
With 150 employees and locations in Freiburg, Kehl, and Strasbourg, the company plans further fleet growth. MSG will take delivery of its third LTM 1650-8.1 at the beginning of 2025, while another LTM 1230-5.1 will arrive in February, increasing the fleet to 55 Liebherr mobile cranes.
Real-World Performance in Wind Turbine Maintenance
MSG recently deployed one of its LTM 1650-8.1 cranes to service an Enercon E-66 wind turbine at an altitude of 1,100 metres in the Black Forest.
In a single day, the crane removed and reinstalled the entire blade star in two-hook operation after generator replacement. Configured with Y-guying, a six-metre boom extension, and a small auxiliary jib, the heaviest lift involved a 48-tonne gross load at a 25-metre radius, using 155 tonnes of counterweight.
About MSG Krandienst GmbH
MSG Krandienst GmbH is a major crane and lifting services provider operating across the Franco-German border region, with sites in Freiburg, Kehl, and Strasbourg. The company specialises in large mobile crane operations, supporting infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects.
With a workforce of around 150 employees and a fleet dominated by Liebherr mobile cranes, MSG Krandienst is a key partner for complex lifting operations throughout the Alsace–Baden region.
Website: https://www.msg-kran.de
About Liebherr
Liebherr is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of mobile cranes, crawler cranes, and construction machinery. The company is renowned for its engineering quality, innovation, and long-term value retention.
Liebherr’s Ehingen plant is a global centre of excellence for large mobile cranes, delivering industry-leading solutions such as VarioBase®, VarioBallast®, and advanced telescopic boom systems.
Website: https://www.liebherr.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What new cranes has MSG Krandienst added to its fleet?
MSG Krandienst has added a Liebherr LTM 1300-6.3 and will soon receive an LTM 1650-8.1, expanding its large crane fleet.
Why was the LTM 1300-6.3 selected?
The decisive factor was its 90-metre telescopic boom, which can be transported on public roads with a 12-tonne axle load — a unique capability in its class.
What sectors will the new cranes support?
The cranes will primarily support infrastructure projects, rail expansion, and wind turbine maintenance and repowering across the Rhine and Black Forest regions.
How large is MSG’s Liebherr fleet?
With upcoming deliveries, MSG Krandienst will operate 55 Liebherr mobile cranes.
What makes the LTM 1650-8.1 significant?
The 700-tonne crane exceeds its predecessor’s lifting capacity by up to 50 percent, offering exceptional performance for heavy-duty lifting applications.
