Schwarze ASC GmbH Expands Fleet With Liebherr LTM 1150-5.3 and Commits to HVO Fuel
- Meagan Wood
- May 28, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 1
30-Second Takeaway
Schwarze ASC GmbH has strengthened its mobile crane fleet with a Liebherr LTM 1150-5.3, closing the capacity gap between its 130- and 220-tonne cranes. Operated exclusively with HVO 100 fuel, the new crane supports Schwarze’s company-wide sustainability strategy, enabling up to 90% CO₂ reduction while maintaining full lifting performance. Like all new Liebherr cranes, the LTM 1150-5.3 is fully HVO-compatible, allowing climate-friendly operation without technical modifications.
LTM 1150-5.3 Boosts Schwarze Fleet in the 150-Tonne Class
Schwarze ASC GmbH has added a Liebherr LTM 1150-5.3 mobile crane to its fleet, strengthening its capabilities in the lifting class between 130 and 220 tonnes. The 150-tonne crane complements the company’s existing machines and is designed to handle a wide range of lifting applications with high efficiency, flexibility, and reliability.
“Our previous experiences with the LTM 1130-5.1 have been exceptional,” explains Nina
Schwarze, Managing Director of the family-owned company.
“With the LTM 1150-5.3, we can now efficiently and sustainably cover the performance class below our 220-tonne crane.”
The decision to invest once again in Liebherr technology was driven by the manufacturer’s proven quality, long-term reliability, and strong resale value, as well as the close partnership Schwarze has maintained with Liebherr for many years.
Schwarze Goes Green: Operating the LTM 1150-5.3 With HVO 100
The new LTM 1150-5.3 is operated exclusively with HVO 100 (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil)—a renewable fuel made from waste and residual materials. Compared to conventional diesel, HVO 100 enables a CO₂ reduction of up to 90% during crane operation.
“This crane is a perfect fit for our sustainability strategy,” says Nina Schwarze. “HVO allows us to dramatically reduce emissions while continuing to rely on proven combustion engine technology.”
The switch to HVO was a key requirement for Schwarze’s latest fleet expansion. Like all Liebherr mobile and crawler cranes, the LTM 1150-5.3 is fully certified for HVO operation, requiring no technical modifications.
Sustainability as a Core Business Strategy
Under the guiding principle “Schwarze goes green,” Schwarze ASC GmbH has implemented a comprehensive sustainability programme across its entire operation.
In March 2025, the company transitioned all crane operations to alternative fuels. As a result, Schwarze expects to reduce approximately 850 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year an amount that would otherwise require around 68,000 trees to absorb annually.
“HVO represents a conscious commitment to climate protection,” Nina Schwarze explains. “Even though it is currently more expensive than diesel, it enables existing heavy-duty engines to operate almost CO₂-neutrally. For us, this is a far more sustainable approach than waiting for future technologies that are not yet available at scale.”
Liebherr Sets the Industry Standard for HVO Compatibility
Since September 2021, all new Liebherr mobile and crawler cranes manufactured in Ehingen have been fueled exclusively with pure HVO during:
Test drives
Crane acceptances
Initial factory fueling
This makes Liebherr a pioneer in the crane industry when it comes to sustainable fuel adoption. The approach ensures that customers can immediately operate new cranes with HVO without any adjustments.
Beyond Fuel: Schwarze’s Broader Sustainability Measures
Schwarze ASC GmbH’s environmental strategy goes well beyond alternative fuels.
Additional initiatives include:
An on-site photovoltaic power plant
Rainwater utilization systems
A partially electrified vehicle fleet
A bee-keeping project at company premises
The introduction of the HVO-powered LTM 1150-5.3 represents another major milestone in Schwarze’s long-term sustainability roadmap.
About Schwarze ASC GmbH
Schwarze ASC GmbH is a family-owned crane and lifting services company committed to combining technical excellence with environmental responsibility. The company operates a modern fleet of mobile cranes across multiple lifting classes and actively invests in sustainable technologies to reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency. Under the leadership of Nina Schwarze, the company continues to align fleet modernization with climate-conscious business practices.
About Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of mobile and crawler cranes. Its product range spans from 35-tonne 2-axle cranes to 1,200-tonne heavy-duty mobile cranes and lattice boom cranes with lifting capacities of up to 3,000 tonnes.
With a workforce of approximately 5,000 employees, the Ehingen site is supported by a global service network that ensures high availability and long-term reliability. In 2024, Liebherr-Werk Ehingen achieved revenues of €3.18 billion.
About the Liebherr Group
The Liebherr Group is a family-run technology company with a highly diversified product portfolio. Operating more than 150 companies worldwide, Liebherr employs over 50,000 people and generated combined revenues of more than €14 billion in 2024. Founded in 1949 by Hans Liebherr, the group remains committed to technological innovation, quality, and sustainable solutions across all business sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What crane did Schwarze ASC GmbH add to its fleet?
Schwarze added a Liebherr LTM 1150-5.3, a 150-tonne mobile crane.
Why did Schwarze choose the LTM 1150-5.3?
The crane fills the capacity gap between 130 and 220 tonnes and offers proven Liebherr technology with strong resale value.
What fuel does the new crane use?
The LTM 1150-5.3 operates exclusively with HVO 100, a renewable fuel.
How much CO₂ can HVO reduce compared to diesel?
HVO 100 can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 90% during operation.
Are Liebherr cranes compatible with HVO fuel?
Yes. All new Liebherr mobile and crawler cranes are fully certified for HVO operation without modifications.
