Precision Under Pressure: Casper Ørum on Mastering Complex Lifts with BMS Heavy Cranes
- Meagan Wood
- Jul 9, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 18
30 Second Takeaway
As a crane operator with BMS Heavy Cranes, Casper Ørum has built his reputation on precision, preparation, and an uncompromising commitment to safety. From executing highly restricted lifts as an apprentice to operating advanced Liebherr cranes today, Casper shares how teamwork, mentorship, and continuous learning shape his approach to some of the most complex lifts in the industry.
Learning the Craft Through Challenge
For Casper Ørum, the most defining moments of his career didn’t come from easy lifts they came from the ones that required creativity, patience, and trust in the team.
One of the most challenging lifts he recalls involved a fan system installation inside a new building, requiring the load to be lifted approximately 25 metres straight up and 14 metres inward, all within extremely limited space.
“With very restricted space actually no space at all it took hours and creative, safe rigging to make the lift possible,” Casper explains.
At the time, he was still an apprentice. Recognising the complexity of the task, he leaned on colleagues for advice and supervision.
“After some test lifts, we made it a success. That’s teamwork at BMS.”
Respecting the Variables: Terrain, Weather, and Setup
Casper is quick to point out that the lift itself is only part of the challenge.
“You always have to be very careful when lifting heavy burdens with a mobile crane,” he says. “Weather conditions can quickly turn a lift into something very tricky.”
Crane setup, particularly in difficult terrain, is equally demanding.
“Jacking the crane up in steep terrain is a good challenge. You get surprised every time and it fascinates me how it’s done.”
Much of his understanding comes from mentorship, particularly from Michael Nissen, whom Casper credits with teaching him how to approach every phase of a lift correctly and safely.
Preparing Mind and Machine
Preparation for Casper starts long before he takes the controls.
“I always take care of my Liebherr crane,” he explains. “Cleaning the cab, washing the crane regularly, greasing the crane and undercarriage when all this is done, I’m mentally prepared.”
Physical readiness is just as important.
“A good night’s sleep is the key. You have to be fully rested.”
For Casper, respect for the machine and respect for himself go hand in hand.
Executing Blind Picks in Tight Conditions
When it comes to blind picks in urban environments, Casper believes success comes down to three things: planning, communication, and trust. Before arriving on site, he meets with the conductor at BMS to understand the challenges. Once the crane is rigged, he calls a toolbox meeting with everyone involved.
“We talk about how the lift will be executed and how the communication and signalling will be.”
Trust is critical.
“I have to trust my rigger when doing blind crane operations,” he says, noting that walkie-talkies are typically used to maintain constant communication.
A Controlled Lift Style
If competing against top operators from around the world, Casper says every crane operator brings their own style but his is unmistakably controlled.
“Steady hook block, perfect rigging, and taking the time to make the burden go straight up so nothing is damaged.”
For him, speed never comes at the expense of control.
“That’s how you make a professional lift.”
Staying Ahead of Technology and Safety
Casper’s passion for crane operating extends well beyond working hours. Most of his spare time, he says, is spent keeping up with new crane technology, load charts, and safety regulations through trade channels, online resources, and Crane Hub itself.
He credits educational content from creators like Connor Liddle (Cranebrain1), ongoing discussions with BMS Head of HSEQ Jens Helbo, and regular visits to EUC Lillebælt, Denmark’s crane training institution, for keeping him current. Attending major trade events such as Bauma and transport fairs is also a priority.
Making the Call When Safety Changes Everything
One of the most important lessons Casper has learned is knowing when to stop.
During a lift involving shed modules, the load turned out to be significantly heavier than expected.
“I cancelled the lift,” he says. “Then I called my mentor to talk about a new safe rigging solution.”
His advice is clear.
“Don’t be arrogant when it comes to safety. Take the necessary time and talk with your colleagues about new safe solutions.”
Favorite Machines and Future Goals
Casper has operated nearly every Liebherr model from LTM1070 to LTM1200, but his current favorite is the LTM1200-5.1. Looking ahead, his dream machine is the LTM1750-9.1 a crane he hopes to operate in the future.
Representing the Craft on a Global Stage
If selected for Game of Cranes, Casper says his goal would be simple: show the real crane world.
“I’ll take you behind the scenes the positive parts and the more challenging sides.”
Through storytelling, he hopes to show why crane operating isn’t just a job.
“Being a crane operator is the best job in the whole world.”
About BMS Heavy Cranes
BMS Heavy Cranes is a leading European crane and heavy lift specialist, providing advanced lifting solutions for complex construction, infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects. With a modern fleet of mobile cranes, tower cranes, and heavy transport equipment, BMS is known for its technical expertise, safety-first culture, and collaborative approach to challenging lifts. Operating across multiple international markets, BMS Heavy Cranes combines innovation, precision, and experienced operators to deliver safe and efficient lifting solutions on projects of all scales.
Website https://www.bms.dk
