Wire Cranes Takes Delivery of UK’s First Liebherr LTM 1090-4.3
30-Second Takeaway
Wire Cranes and Lifting has added the UK’s first Liebherr LTM 1090-4.3 to its fleet. The four-axle, 90-tonne model succeeds the LTM 1090-4.2, introducing LICCON3 controls and improved capacities on its 60-metre main boom. Flexible transport configurations allow up to 8.8 tonnes of counterweight to travel within 12-tonne axle loads.
UK First for Wire Cranes
UK rental company Wire Cranes and Lifting has taken delivery of the country’s first Liebherr LTM 1090-4.3 all-terrain crane. The new machine was displayed on Liebherr’s stand at Vertikal Days 2026 before joining the Warrington-based company’s fleet.
Managing director Andy Unsworth described the delivery as a milestone in the business’s equipment investment strategy.
“When we started Wire Cranes in 2023, investing in the newest and most capable equipment was always part of our business plan, in order to offer our clients the most up to date, innovative machines on the market.”
Updated 90-Tonne Model Adds LICCON3
Unveiled at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, the LTM 1090-4.3 replaces the LTM 1090-4.2, which was introduced in 2017. The updated model retains a 60-metre telescopic main boom while offering increased lifting capacities compared with its predecessor. Its maximum rated capacity remains 90 tonnes.
A key change is the introduction of LICCON3, Liebherr’s third-generation crane control system. The platform adds greater computing power, increased storage and a faster data bus while retaining the established LICCON operating approach. It is also prepared for telematics and fleet-management functions.
Main Boom and Swingaway Reach
The crane’s 60-metre main boom can be supplemented by a 9.5 to 16-metre bi-fold swingaway extension with manual offset. Liebherr lists a maximum hoist height of 76 metres and a maximum working radius of 62 metres for the model. The manufacturer’s hoist-height figure provides a more precise reference than the supplied description of a tip height just under 80 metres. Available lifting capacity depends on the boom arrangement, working radius, counterweight and outrigger configuration.
Flexible Axle Loads for Transport
The LTM 1090-4.3 can be configured for nominal axle loads of 10, 12 or 16 tonnes, allowing operators to adapt its transport arrangement to route and road requirements.
Up to 8.8 tonnes of counterweight can be carried within the specified 12-tonne axle-load configuration. For suitable assignments, that onboard ballast can reduce the requirement for a separate counterweight delivery.
Different axle-load configurations involve changes to the equipment and ballast carried. They provide transport options rather than a single arrangement suitable for every route or lifting task.
VarioBase and VarioBallast Support Site Setup
VarioBase and VarioBallast are standard features of the LTM 1090-4.3. VarioBase allows individual outriggers to extend to different lengths, supporting setup where available space varies around the carrier. VarioBallast provides two counterweight radius settings, allowing a choice between reduced rear clearance and greater counterweight leverage. The model also incorporates ECOdrive and ECOmode systems intended to reduce fuel consumption and noise during travel and crane operation.
Supporting Projects Nationwide
Wire Cranes serves general construction, infrastructure and industrial customers. The new 90-tonne crane adds another lifting option within its wider equipment fleet.
“Being the first company in the UK to take the LTM 1090-4.3 is a real milestone for us,” Unsworth said.
“It gives our team even more capability to support clients across projects nationwide. We were proud to showcase it alongside Liebherr at Vertikal Days.”
About Wire Cranes and Lifting
Founded in 2023, Wire Cranes and Lifting is a crane hire and lifting services company based in Warrington, Northwest England. The company supports construction, infrastructure and industrial projects with mobile cranes, mobile self-erecting tower cranes, spider cranes and truck-mounted cranes.
Its reported all-terrain fleet spans capacities from 35 to 500 tonnes. Associated services include site surveys, lift planning and design, and lift-and-shift work, supporting customers from project preparation through equipment deployment.
Website: www.wirecranes.com
About Liebherr
Founded in 1949, Liebherr is a family-owned technology group and equipment manufacturer serving construction, lifting, mining, maritime and other industrial markets. Its crane portfolio includes mobile and crawler cranes, tower cranes and maritime lifting equipment.
Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH, based in Ehingen, Germany, develops and manufactures mobile and crawler cranes, including the LTM telescopic all-terrain range. Its mobile crane technologies include LICCON controls, variable outrigger positioning, adjustable counterweight radius systems and fuel-saving drive functions.
Website: www.liebherr.com
FAQ
What crane has Wire Cranes purchased?
Wire Cranes has taken delivery of the UK’s first Liebherr LTM 1090-4.3, a 90-tonne all-terrain crane.
Which model does the LTM 1090-4.3 replace?
It succeeds the Liebherr LTM 1090-4.2, introduced in 2017.
What are the main updates?
The model introduces LICCON3 controls and increased lifting capacities on its 60-metre telescopic boom.
How much counterweight can it carry at 12-tonne axle loads?
It can carry up to 8.8 tonnes in the specified transport configuration.
Where was the crane displayed before delivery?
It appeared on Liebherr’s stand at Vertikal Days 2026.
