Munich Fire Brigade Takes Delivery of Two Liebherr LTM 1070-4.2 Fire Brigade Cranes
- Meagan Wood
- Apr 20
- 4 min read
30-Second Takeaway
The Munich Fire Service has added two new Liebherr LTM 1070-4.2 mobile cranes to its emergency response fleet, replacing cranes that had been in service since the 1990s. The identical 70-tonne cranes improve operational reliability, flexibility, and lifting capability for complex rescue operations across Munich and neighbouring regions.
Munich Fire Service Modernises Fleet with Two New Liebherr LTM 1070-4.2 Cranes
The Munich Fire Service has officially placed two new Liebherr LTM 1070-4.2 fire brigade cranes into operation as part of a major fleet modernisation initiative.
The new 70-tonne, 4-axle mobile cranes replace two older units built in 1991 and 1998, strengthening the fire brigade’s ability to respond to demanding technical rescue operations both within Munich and in surrounding districts.
According to the Munich Fire Service, operational reliability was one of the primary reasons behind the investment.
“The reliability of vehicles and equipment is a very important issue for us as a fire service,” explained Dominik Franz, fire officer at the Munich Fire Service.
“The previous cranes served us reliably for many years, but as they age, the risk of technical faults and the cost of repairs increase significantly.”
Two Identical Cranes Improve Operational Readiness and Flexibility
The Munich Fire Service strategically positioned the two new cranes at separate locations across the city to meet emergency response requirements.
Cranes Stationed Across Munich for Rapid Response
Munich’s fire service requirements plan specifies that two fire brigade cranes must be available with a maximum response time of 30 minutes.
To achieve this, the new cranes are stationed in:
North-west Munich
South-east Munich
This deployment strategy ensures rapid access across the city and surrounding operational areas.
Tandem Lifting Capability Enhances Rescue Operations
The two identical cranes can also operate together for tandem lifting operations when required. According to Dominik Franz, standardising around identical crane models delivers important tactical advantages.
“With two identical cranes, we gain not only redundancy but also tactical flexibility,” said Franz.
“Particularly in complex operational situations, it is a major advantage to have identical technology with identical performance data at our disposal.”
Liebherr LTM 1070-4.2 Selected Following Europe-Wide Tender
The Liebherr LTM 1070-4.2 was selected after a Europe-wide procurement tender process.
Technical Performance and Fire Service Equipment Were Key Factors
Munich Fire Service officials said the complete package offered by Liebherr including both the mobile crane and specialised fire brigade equipment played a decisive role in the purchasing decision.
Key operational requirements included:
High lifting capacity with ballast carried on the crane
Excellent manoeuvrability
Variable outrigger positioning
Urban deployment capability
Rear recovery winch
Integrated intercom system
Snow chain compatibility
These features were considered critical for operations in Munich’s dense urban environment.
Compact Design Supports Urban Rescue Operations
The compact size and flexibility of the LTM 1070-4.2 were especially important for rescue operations in confined city areas.
“The LTM 1070-4.2 offers exactly the combination of performance, compactness and flexibility that we need for our operations,” emphasised Franz.
“What’s more, this crane has already proven itself with other fire services.”
Fire Brigade Cranes Support Complex Technical Rescue Scenarios
The Munich Fire Brigade deploys heavy rescue cranes during incidents where conventional rescue resources are no longer sufficient.
Cranes Used for Major Rescue and Recovery Operations
Typical deployment scenarios include:
Serious road accidents involving lorries and buses
Tram and rail accidents
Recovery of overturned construction cranes
Storm damage operations
Rescue operations involving heights and confined spaces
The cranes may also be requested to support neighbouring districts during major emergency incidents.
Urban Infrastructure and Construction Risks Increase Demand
The increasing complexity of urban infrastructure projects and heavy transport operations continues driving demand for specialised heavy rescue equipment within emergency response services. The Munich Fire Service said the new Liebherr cranes significantly improve its readiness for these technically demanding operations.
Comprehensive Training Programme Delivered Before Commissioning
Before entering operational service, all Munich Fire Brigade crane personnel completed an extensive training programme.
Instructor and Driver Training Conducted at Liebherr Facilities
The training programme included:
Multi-day instructor training at Liebherr in Ehingen
Driver training at the Münsingen military training area
Operational training for approximately 50 crane operators
Additional Recovery Training Enhanced Operational Preparedness
The programme also included an external seminar focused on vehicle and machinery recovery operations. According to the Munich Fire Service, close cooperation with Liebherr was maintained throughout the procurement and commissioning process.
“The collaboration with Liebherr was very professional throughout the entire procurement process,” said Franz.
“We have received two high-quality cranes that provide us with optimal support in our daily work.”
About Munich Fire Service
The Munich Fire Service is one of Germany’s largest professional fire brigades, providing fire protection, technical rescue, emergency response, and disaster management services throughout the City of Munich and surrounding areas.
The organisation operates specialised rescue equipment and technical response units designed to handle complex urban emergencies, infrastructure incidents, transport accidents, and large-scale disaster situations.
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 infrastructure, logistics, energy, and construction industries worldwide.
Liebherr’s mobile crane division is internationally recognised for advanced all-terrain crane technologies, emergency response applications, and innovative lifting systems designed for complex operational environments.
Website:https://www.liebherr.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What cranes did the Munich Fire Brigade purchase?
The Munich Fire Service purchased two Liebherr LTM 1070-4.2 mobile cranes for technical rescue and emergency response operations.
Why did Munich replace its older fire brigade cranes?
The older cranes, built in 1991 and 1998, were becoming increasingly costly to maintain and carried a higher risk of technical failures.
What is the lifting capacity of the Liebherr LTM 1070-4.2?
The Liebherr LTM 1070-4.2 is a 70-tonne, 4-axle all-terrain mobile crane.
What types of emergencies will the cranes support?
The cranes will support major technical rescue operations including road accidents, rail incidents, crane recoveries, storm response, and rescue operations involving heights and confined spaces.
How many crane operators were trained for the new Liebherr cranes?
Approximately 50 crane operators from the Munich Fire Brigade completed specialised training before the cranes entered operational service.
