Second-hand Yet Still First Class: Universal Cranes Adds Refurbished Liebherr LTR 11200 to Fleet
- Meagan Wood
- Mar 5, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 1
30-Second Takeaway
Universal Cranes has strengthened its heavy lifting capabilities with the addition of a refurbished Liebherr LTR 11200 telescopic crawler crane, proving that second-hand equipment can still deliver first-class performance. The 1,200-tonne crane has already demonstrated its value during a complex railway level crossing modernisation project in Brisbane, where tight space, live rail operations, and critical timeframes demanded precision planning and proven lifting power
Proven Heavy Lift Performance on a Demanding Infrastructure Project
Universal Cranes has expanded its fleet with a refurbished Liebherr LTR 11200, reinforcing the company’s ability to support complex infrastructure and heavy lifting projects across Australia. While pre-owned, the crane reflects Liebherr’s reputation for durability, engineering quality, and long service life qualities that made the investment a strategic one for Universal Cranes.
The decision to add the Liebherr LTR 11200 telescopic crawler crane was driven by increasing demand for short-term heavy lift solutions that require both high capacity and mobility. According to Mark Happer, General Manager at Universal Cranes, customers are increasingly seeking cranes capable of lifting larger loads while remaining flexible enough to relocate on-site without full derigging.
Unlike traditional lattice boom crawler cranes, the LTR 11200 combines exceptional lifting capacity with a 100-metre telescopic boom, significantly reducing setup time and site footprint. This makes it particularly well-suited for constrained environments such as rail corridors, urban infrastructure upgrades, and industrial facilities.
Built for Heavy Lifts Without Compromise
In response to growing demand for larger lifts on short-term hires, Universal Cranes selected the Liebherr LTR 11200 for its ability to combine maximum lifting capacity, mobility, and rapid deployment.
“We are seeing increasing demand for larger and heavier lifts on casual short-term hires, while still needing the ability to relocate without derigging,”—Mark Happer, General Manager, Universal Cranes
With its 100-metre telescopic boom, Y-guying, and fast-erecting lattice extensions, the LTR 11200 was originally engineered for wind turbine erection, but has proven equally effective across rail, infrastructure, and industrial projects.
“The versatility of the LTR 11200 allows us to support a broad range of applications across infrastructure, industrial and rail projects,”— Mark Happer
Brisbane Level Crossing Modernisation: A Real-World Test
The refurbished crane quickly proved its value during the modernisation of a railway level crossing in Brisbane, a project delivered under the Bielby Hull Joint Venture. The scope involved installing nine pre-cast concrete bridge girders, each measuring 35 metres in length and weighing 76 tonnes, while maintaining strict rail shutdown windows.
Configured with a 28-metre main boom, 36-metre luffing jib, and 182 tonnes of ballast, the LTR 11200 handled the lifts with a total suspended load of 29.5 tonnes. Despite limited assembly space near the live rail corridor, the crane was set up in an adjacent yard, allowing safe operation away from traffic and active rail infrastructure.
“The LTR 11200 proved to be the ideal crane solution for this task, unparalleled in its load capacity class and capable of maneuvering around the construction site,”— Patrick Silver, Projects and Heavy Lift Division Manager, Universal Cranes
To mitigate risk during the critical rail closures, all girders were pre-positioned on-site ahead of time. This enabled Universal Cranes to complete the lifting works within the planned two-day shutdown, meeting safety, scheduling, and operational requirements without disruption.
Patrick Silver, Projects and Heavy Lift Division Manager, highlighted the importance of early-stage planning and collaboration, noting that months of preparation with stakeholders were essential to executing the lifts safely while trains continued operating nearby.
“Despite the limited assembly area, the crane was operational in an adjacent yard, well away from the rail corridor and roadway,”— Patrick Silver
Why the Liebherr LTR 11200 Stands Apart
The Liebherr LTR 11200 is the world’s most powerful telescopic crawler crane, designed originally for wind turbine erection, but increasingly valued across infrastructure, energy, and industrial sectors. Its ability to operate fully equipped on challenging ground, combined with pedestal mode and multiple travel configurations, allows contractors to tackle demanding jobs without extensive crane reconfiguration.
Compared to lattice boom crawlers, the LTR 11200 requires:
Less counterweight
Less assembly space
Shorter setup times
“The LTR 11200’s design enables it to operate fully equipped on challenging terrain, with the pedestal mode allowing jobs to be completed without relocating the crawlers to the site,” — Ben Smith, National Operations Manager, Universal Cranes
These advantages translate into lower project risk, reduced downtime, and greater flexibility especially critical on time-sensitive infrastructure works.
Refurbished, Not Compromised
Universal Cranes’ confidence in the refurbished crane stems from Liebherr’s factory reconditioning process in Ehingen, where pre-owned cranes are fully overhauled to exacting standards.
Ben Smith, National Operations Manager, emphasized that the partnership with Liebherr is built on trust and consistency: refurbished cranes deliver the same reliability expected from new equipment, supported by Liebherr’s global service network.
With 278 cranes operating across Australia, New Zealand, and Guam, including 47 Liebherr units, Universal Cranes continues to invest in equipment that aligns with its long-term strategy of safety, technical excellence, and operational reliability.
Confidence in Liebherr Certified Used Cranes
Universal Cranes’ decision to invest in a refurbished unit was driven by long-standing trust in Liebherr’s factory reconditioning process.
“We have confidence that Liebherr’s pre-owned cranes are meticulously reconditioned, maintaining the high quality we expect from new models,”— Ben Smith
“We were thoroughly impressed by the factory and the expertise of the staff. It was evident that the entire team, from the project manager to the technicians, dedicated their passion and commitment to their work,”— Ben Smith
About Universal Cranes Australia
Universal Cranes Australia, part of the Smithbridge Group, is one of the largest crane hire and heavy lift providers in Australia, New Zealand, and Guam. With a fleet of 278 cranes, including 47 Liebherr machines, the company supports projects across construction, infrastructure, mining, rail, and energy sectors.
Learn More 🔗 https://www.universalcranes.com.au
About Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH is a global leader in mobile and crawler crane manufacturing, producing cranes ranging from 35 tonnes to 3,000 tonnes. The Ehingen facility employs approximately 5,000 people and supports customers worldwide through an extensive service network.
Learn More🔗 https://www.liebherr.com/ehingen
About the Liebherr Group
Founded in 1949, the Liebherr Group is a family-owned global technology company with over 150 companies worldwide. In 2023, Liebherr employed more than 50,000 people and generated revenues exceeding €14 billion.
Learn More🔗 https://www.liebherr.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Liebherr LTR 11200?
The Liebherr LTR 11200 is a 1,200-tonne telescopic crawler crane combining extreme lifting capacity with the world’s longest telescopic boom in its class.
Why choose a refurbished Liebherr crane?
Liebherr refurbished cranes undergo factory-certified reconditioning, ensuring performance, safety, and reliability comparable to new machines — at reduced capital cost.
What industries benefit most from the LTR 11200?
The crane is ideal for rail infrastructure, bridge construction, wind energy, industrial plant installation, and heavy civil works.
What makes telescopic crawler cranes different?
Telescopic crawler cranes offer faster setup, smaller footprints, and better mobility compared to traditional lattice boom crawlers.
Where can I find certified used Liebherr cranes?
Learn More🔗 https://www.liebherr.com/used-cranes
