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30 Second Takeaway Ainscough Crane Hire , the UK’s largest crane rental company, has begun taking delivery of the first seven cranes from a 14-unit Liebherr all-terrain order , part of a £40 million fleet investment programme . The order includes LTM 1230-5.1  and LTM 1300-6.3  cranes, strengthening lifting capacity, improving transport efficiency, and accelerating the company’s transition to modern, lower-emission crane technology . Ainscough Begins Delivery of Major Liebherr Order UK rental specialist Ainscough Crane Hire  has taken delivery of the first seven Liebherr all-terrain cranes  from a 14-unit order , marking a significant milestone in a £40 million investment programme . The package comprises: Seven 230-tonne Liebherr LTM 1230-5.1 Seven 300-tonne Liebherr LTM 1300-6.3 The new cranes will replace a number of older five- and six-axle units , forming a key part of Ainscough’s ongoing fleet modernisation strategy . LTM 1230-5.1: Compact Power with Long Reach The five-axle Liebherr LTM 1230-5.1  is equipped with an eight-section 75-metre main boom , offering exceptional reach within a compact footprint. Key features include: 11.5–20 metre bi-fold swingaway extension Offset capability of up to 40 degrees Up to three 7-metre inserts  between boom nose and swingaway Maximum tip height of 113 metres  with the main boom at 68 metres This configuration makes the LTM 1230-5.1  highly versatile for infrastructure, industrial, and construction lifting operations. LTM 1300-6.3: 300-Tonne Performance with Advanced Technology The six-axle Liebherr LTM 1300-6.3  delivers higher lifting capacity and extended reach for demanding projects. Specifications include: Eight-section 90-metre main boom 11.5–20 metre bi-fold swingaway extension Up to two 7-metre inserts , delivering a 121-metre tip height Optional 43-metre lattice extension , increasing tip height to 126 metres Advanced features fitted to the LTM 1300-6.3 include: VarioBase® Plus  outrigger setup and monitoring VarioBallast®  variable counterweight Auto-Ballast Wind-speed-related load charts Leadership Perspective on Fleet Investment Mark James , Ainscough’s Operations Support Director , commented on the strategic importance of the new cranes: “The new cranes Liebherr are manufacturing feature longer booms and reduced counterweight  than their predecessors, making them easier to transport  and bringing unprecedented levels of efficiency  to our fleet.” He added: “We are continuously investing in our fleet to ensure that our customers benefit from the latest equipment  and to remain the market leader for lifting services in the UK . This package is just part of a wider crane investment that currently stands at £40 million  over the past few years.” Additional Fleet Growth and Zero-Emission Technology In addition to the 14-unit Liebherr order, Ainscough  has taken delivery of seven more cranes this year , including: One 700-tonne Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1 Four 60-tonne Liebherr LTM 1060-3.1 Two 50-tonne Liebherr LTC 1050-3.1E hybrid cranes The LTC 1050-3.1E , the first of its kind in the UK , is Liebherr’s first mobile crane capable of zero-emission operation , reinforcing Ainscough’s commitment to sustainable lifting solutions . About Ainscough Crane Hire Ainscough Crane Hire  is the UK’s largest crane rental company , operating a fleet of more than 400 cranes  from 30 depots across the UK . The company provides lifting solutions across construction, infrastructure, industrial, and heavy-lift sectors. Ainscough continues to invest heavily in modern, efficient, and low-emission crane technology  to support customer demands and maintain its market-leading position. 🔗 Website:   https://www.ainscough.co.uk About Liebherr Liebherr  is a global leader in the manufacture of mobile cranes , crawler cranes , and heavy lifting equipment. Known for engineering excellence , innovation , and long-term reliability , Liebherr remains at the forefront of crane technology development. The LTM 1230-5.1 , LTM 1300-6.3 , and LTC 1050-3.1E  represent Liebherr’s focus on performance , transport efficiency , and sustainability . 🔗 Website:   https://www.liebherr.com Frequently Asked Questions How much has Ainscough invested in its crane fleet? Ainscough has invested £40 million  in fleet upgrades over recent years. How many cranes are included in the Liebherr order? The Liebherr order includes 14 all-terrain cranes   seven LTM 1230-5.1  and seven LTM 1300-6.3 . What makes the new cranes more efficient? Longer booms, reduced counterweight requirements, and advanced systems such as VarioBase® Plus  and Auto-Ballast  improve transport and on-site efficiency. Does the investment include sustainable technology? Yes. Ainscough has added LTC 1050-3.1E hybrid cranes , capable of zero-emission operation , the first of their kind in the UK. How large is Ainscough’s total fleet? Ainscough operates over 400 cranes  across 30 UK de

30 Second Takeaway Pizzolato Trasporti & Sollevamenti  has made Italian lifting history with the delivery of the country’s first Spierings SK597-AT4 eLift . The four-axle mobile self-erecting tower crane brings electric operation , fast setup, and tower-crane reach to projects across northern Italy. First Spierings Mobile Tower Crane Delivered in Italy Italian crane and transport company Pizzolato Trasporti & Sollevamenti  has taken delivery of a four-axle Spierings SK597-AT4 eLift , becoming the first operator in Italy  to add a Spierings mobile self-erecting tower crane  to its fleet. The delivery represents a significant milestone for both Spierings Mobile Cranes  and the Italian crane rental market, introducing electric mobile tower crane technology  to the country for the first time. Latest-Generation SK597-AT4 eLift Specifications The Spierings SK597-AT4 eLift  is the latest-generation mobile tower crane from Spierings, offering a maximum lifting capacity of seven tonnes  combined with a 48-metre jib  on a compact four-axle chassis. The crane delivers a maximum lifting height of 58.1 metres  with the jib luffed to 45 degrees , or 27.8 metres  with the jib in the horizontal position, providing flexibility for a wide range of construction and industrial lifting applications. Electric eLift Technology Enables Low-Emission Operation The crane is equipped with Spierings’ eLift electric drive system , allowing operation via 16A or 32A mains power connections . Power is routed through a Lithium-ion PowerPack , which absorbs peak energy demand and enables the crane to operate from standard electrical outlets without compromising performance. During periods of lower power draw, the battery system automatically recharges. For sites without access to a mains supply, the SK597-AT4 eLift  is also fitted with a compact diesel engine , capable of generating the electrical power required for full crane operation. Pizzolato Highlights Flexibility and Speed Advantages Managing director Simone Pizzolato  said the company was impressed by both the crane concept and Spierings’ support throughout the delivery process. “Spierings gave us a warm welcome and great hospitality, and we strongly believe in this crane concept. It provides us with the reach and height of a tower crane , while being able to set up in just a couple of minutes  and remain easy to manoeuvre throughout the country .” He added that performance and timing made the investment particularly meaningful. “We chose Spierings  because of its operational speed and ease of use . This year our company celebrates its 50th anniversary , which makes the acquisition of this Spierings mobile tower crane  extra festive.” About Pizzolato Trasporti & Sollevamenti Pizzolato Trasporti & Sollevamenti  was established in 1974  and is headquartered in Treviso , northern Italy. The company provides crane and equipment rental , industrial assembly services , and specialist lifting solutions  across Treviso, Padua, and Venice . In addition to crane hire, Pizzolato operates domestic and international road haulage services , supporting a wide range of construction, industrial, and infrastructure projects throughout Italy and beyond. About Spierings Mobile Cranes Spierings Mobile Cranes  is a Netherlands-based manufacturer specialising exclusively in mobile self-erecting tower cranes . Founded in 1950, Spierings is globally recognised for its SK Series cranes , combining fast setup times, high lifting performance, and advanced electric eLift technology . The Spierings eLift system  enables cranes to operate fully electrically on site, significantly reducing emissions and noise , making them ideal for urban environments , low-emission zones , and sustainability-driven construction projects across Europe. Website: https://www.spieringscranes.com Frequently Asked Questions Why is this delivery significant for Italy? This is the first Spierings mobile self-erecting tower crane  to be delivered and operated in Italy . What model has Pizzolato added to its fleet? Pizzolato has added a Spierings SK597-AT4 eLift  mobile tower crane. What is the lifting capacity of the SK597-AT4 eLift? The crane offers a maximum lifting capacity of seven tonnes . How does the Spierings eLift system work? The eLift system  allows the crane to operate using electric mains power , supported by a Lithium-ion battery PowerPack , with a diesel generator available when grid power is not accessible. Where is Pizzolato Trasporti & Sollevamenti based? The company is based in Treviso , in northern Italy , serving the wider Veneto region.

30 Second Takeaway Ainscough Crane Hire’s Heavy Cranes Division  has successfully supported Select Plant Hire  in the dismantling of a 137-metre Comedil CTL tower crane  at the One Nine Elms development in Battersea, London . Using a 750-tonne Liebherr LTM 1750-9.1 , the highly complex operation followed 18 months of planning , extensive stakeholder coordination, and stringent rail and local authority safety requirements marking the final milestone in the landmark project’s completion. Marking Project Completion at One Nine Elms Ainscough Crane Hire  has played a key role in the completion of the One Nine Elms  development by assisting Select Plant Hire  with the dismantling of one of its Comedil CTL tower cranes . Located in Battersea, London , One Nine Elms  is a recently completed mixed-use skyscraper  featuring residential units, office space, and leisure and entertainment amenities. Construction began in 2015 , and the removal of the tower crane signalled the formal completion of the project. 18 Months of Planning for a High-Risk Urban Environment The Ainscough team was initially approached by Select Plant Hire  in May 2022 , with the operation requiring 18 months of detailed planning  before execution. Dismantling the 137-metre tower crane  presented multiple challenges due to the site’s dense urban surroundings . The project site sits adjacent to Wandsworth Road Rail Station , requiring permissions and approvals from both Network Rail  and Wandsworth Council . Through numerous site visits , engineering assessments, and plan revisions, Ainscough developed a solution that aligned with Network Rail operational requirements  and the council’s safety standards and approval timelines . Heavy Crane Configuration and Engineering Solutions The dismantling operation was carried out using a 750-tonne Liebherr LTM 1750-9.1 , configured with: Boom lengths of 32.7 metres and 49 metres An additional 91.0-metre luffing fly jib 24-hour road closures  over a seven-day period To safely manage rigging and crane loads, a bespoke EKKI mat arrangement  was installed beneath each outrigger. This ensured accepted ground loadings in line with Network Rail guidelines. Key engineering details included: 140 tonnes imposed  on an 8-metre-long beam  manufactured specifically for the project 10% rate of deflection , equivalent to 2.8 tonnes per square metre A 33% safety factor on outriggers  to meet Network Rail requirements Working Within Tight Access Constraints Due to restricted operating space , high imposed loads, and proximity to public pavements, levelling mats  were installed to ensure the crane remained perfectly level. Rather than using a hoist, the team constructed a temporary access ramp using EKKI mats . This innovative solution required sourcing additional matting, as on-site resources had already been exceeded. Industry Perspectives Bob Beardmore , Heavy Cranes Technical Manager at Ainscough , said: “At Ainscough , we love a challenge. As the UK’s leading crane hire firm, it’s always good to demonstrate our expertise with jobs like these. I must mention Marcus Leyshon , our Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technician —all the hours and rigorous planning throughout the project helped give us a seamless delivery. One of our key directives is making the right choice , and throughout this project we’ve constantly considered safety and proper execution . Client satisfaction is also of paramount importance, and I’m glad to deliver in a safe and timely manner  to meet client and council expectations. We’ve worked with Select Plant Hire  on a number of projects and I’m glad to be extending our relationship through Nine Elms and look forward to the next job.” Colin Hall , Operations Manager at Select Plant Hire , added: “Between Select Plant  and Ainscough Crane Hire , we executed the lifting operation perfectly. Months of planning and lots of changes were all worth it to see the end result.” About Ainscough Crane Hire Ainscough Crane Hire  is the UK’s largest crane rental company , operating a fleet of more than 400 cranes  from 30 locations nationwide . Its Heavy Cranes Division  specialises in complex, high-capacity lifting operations , including tower crane erection and dismantling in challenging urban and rail-adjacent environments. 🔗 Website:   https://www.ainscough.co.uk About Select Plant Hire Select Plant Hire  is a leading UK provider of construction equipment, tower cranes, and specialist lifting solutions , supporting major infrastructure and high-rise developments across the country. 🔗 Website:   https://www.selectplanthire.com Frequently Asked Questions What crane was dismantled at One Nine Elms? A 137-metre Comedil CTL tower crane  was dismantled as part of the project’s completion. Which crane was used for the dismantling operation? A 750-tonne Liebherr LTM 1750-9.1  all-terrain crane was used. Why was the project particularly complex? The site was adjacent to Wandsworth Road Rail Station , required Network Rail approvals , and involved tight access , heavy loads, and 24-hour road closures. How long was the planning phase? The operation required 18 months of planning  before execution. Who collaborated on the project? The project was delivered collaboratively by Ainscough Crane Hire  and Select Plant Hire , with oversight from Network Rail  and Wandsworth Council .

Scotland-based Global Crane Services decided their Demag TC2800 was starting to look tired from many years of hard work and is based on the North Sea coast. So when your 600-ton crane needs not just a new paint job but a full on refurbishment who can you turn to? It's not like it's a car or a truck; this is a logistical nightmare.  A crane like a TC takes a fleet of wagons and, more importantly, a team of highly skilled guys. Gouweleeuw BV based in the Netherlands has this all sewn up.  The company has a team that takes care of the logistics of moving the machines from the ports to its modern facility. Once at that facility, the machine starts to get fully stripped, repaired and prepared.  This process is one of the most labour-intensive parts of the project - having the skill and knowledge to strip one of these cranes down to just a shell takes an army of guys and girls and some serious hardware. With their own in-house 50ton overhead crane and engineers, They will start to unload all the large heavy parts like the superstructure, winches and outriggers ready for prep work. Once all the parts have been cleaned and prepared - a process that takes in excess of more than 2000 man hours - the painting can begin. A mind-boggling amount of primer and paint goes on to a 600 ton crane; in fact, it takes between 1500 and 2000 litres of new paint to make the TC look brand new again. Once Gouweleeuw's team of skilled sprayers have finished their work and the army of engineers have rebuilt the crane, the final touches are installed including the company’s branding. The final results are absolutely amazing.  This is not just an old school, 5 gallon overhaul; this is making sure that Global Crane Services get another 10 years of reliability and use from a crane that a lot of companies would either scrap or sell on. But as Global Crane Services and Gouweleeuw have proved, why do that when we all know a TC2800 is a good strong and reliable crane. Not only have they saved a perfectly serviceable crane from the scrap heap, they have safeguarded the time, effort and resources that went into making it in the first place. once the Gouweleeuw team had delivered the crane back to the port in all of it's shiny new glory for its short trip back to the Uk the crane in its new Global Crane services livery had to hit the ground running and straight back to work in Nigg Scotland. Crane Hub would like to thank the Gouweleeuw team for their help with this article, if you are interested in their services please visit the website. https://www.gouweleeuw.com/en/

A Welsh crane hire business has broken new ground by taking delivery of its first-ever Liebherr crane.   Wrexham-based RRC Crane Hire placed an order for an LTM1230-5.1 in a move that underlines the machine’s growing popularity in the UK market.   The 230-tonne capacity, five-axle LTM 1230-5.1 is equipped with an eight-section 75-metre main boom and 20-metre fly jib to give a total lifting height of around 93 metres and radius of 76 metres.   RRC’s new addition arrived complete with VarioBallast® and Vario Base® Plus as well as full remote control of crane operations. A single engine concept machine, the LTM1230-5.1 can carry 22 tonnes of counterweight in the UK with a maximum counterweight of 72 tonnes. It also features Liebherr’s ECOmode and ECOdrive systems.   Steve Elliott, Liebherr’s area sales manager, said: ‘We are delighted to have been able to conclude a deal with RRC Crane Hire. It has been a pleasure working closely with managing director Ian Crossand finance director Derek Hook to ensure they purchased the crane that best suits their businessand fits very well within their fleet.’   Ian Cross added: At RRC we have always had a fleet of Terex Demag machines. Our fleet was lacking a 5-axle machine and the LTM 1230-5.1 was a perfect fitwith its Vario Ballast and Vario Base. This machine will fit well in between our Demag AC300-6 and our Demag 100 AC 100 4/L. We would like to thank Steve and the Liebherr team in supporting us through the process. RRC Crane Hire are now looking forward to continuing our relationship with Liebherr with orders in the pipeline for 2023.

Crawler crane specialist Delden continues its substantial investment in Liebherr machines by taking delivery of its tenth LR 1160. Based in Nottinghamshire and operating through-out the UK, Ireland and Europe, Delden Cranes has invested substantially in the Austrian manufacturer’s machines in recent years as it continues to renew and expand its fleet of Stage V compliant crawler cranes. Delivery of the latest LR 1160.1, the tenth such model in its fleet, means in the last 12 months alone Delden hasadded three 137-tonne capacity Liebherr LR1130.1s, a pair of 160-tonne capacity Liebherr LR1160.1s, one LR1250.1 one LR1300sx.1 and an HS845 & HS855 to its rental fleet. Delden’s newest LR 1160.1 was supplied with a 58.1mmain boom and is fitted with Liebherr’s Lidat telematics system, which is used to aid breakdown response and manage working hours, as standard. Optional extras include an all-round safety camera system, plus boom head camera, aircraft warning light and a remote-control system for the operation of the crane when the operator is outside the cab. Key to the company’s continued investment in Liebherr’s LR 1160.1 crawler crane, according to Sean Nyland, Managing Director, Delden Cranes, is its flexibility andvariable boom configurations. “The LR 1160.1 combines state-of-the-art lifting technologies with the latest Stage V engine and with over 25 Liebherr crawler cranes in our fleet, this flexibility means we can offer our customers an almost never-ending number of rigging configurations and lifting options thanks to the inter-changeability of Liebherr’s boom and rigging system. “The LR 1160.1 can also travel with the load on the hook, while Liebherr’s jack-up and self-assembly system delivers rapid set-up times. All of this makes for a highlyproductive and efficient machine, one that’s a great all-round package for us and our clients.”

A tower cranes boom has collapsed during erection in Kent, the crane is a jaso luffing crane and is currently working on a new build site for McCarthy Stone, the boom failed shortly after 10:30 this morning with no reported injuries. A spokesman for McCarthy Stone said: “We can confirm that there was an incident during the erection of our contractor’s tower crane at our new retirement living development.

It’s been a busy few months in West London where Lee Lifting Services are based. Hot on the heels of the LTM 1150, delivered in February, are two more new telescopic mobile cranes. Liebherr has handed over the keys to an LTM 1060 with the LTM 1090 ones following soon after. Both cranes are fitted with VarioBase®, second winchand remote-control option. The 90-tonne model also comes with Varioballast®. The three-axle LTM 1060 will be replacing a four-axle equivalent from a different manufacturer which has been in service since 2006 (and will now be moving on to the sunnier climes of Egypt). It features a six section 48 metre main boom topped by a 9.5 to 16 metre bi-fold lattice swingaway fly jib to offer a maximum tip height of 67.5 metres. This model will be predominantly destined for construction sites where its size makes it ideal for use by maintenance contractors. The LTM 1090, on the other hand, is a four-axle model which actually makes it the first Liebherr of that capacity in Lee Lifting’s fleet. It features a 60-metre main boom, plus a 9.5 to 16 metre bi-fold swingaway fly jib with hydraulic offset 0 - 40 degrees to offer a maximum tip height of just under 80 metres. For Lee Lifting the major selling point of the LTM 1090 is how narrow it is compared to its rivals which makes it brilliant for use on restricted access film sets. It is also able to travel with up to 22.5 tonnes of counterweight and its swingaway fly jib within 16 tonnes, the axle loads permitted in the UK. Jody Whitmore, Director of Lee Lifting, comments: “It’s the overall quality and servicing of the machines that brings us back to Liebherr each time we are in the market for something new. It’s also a real advantage when you have multiple machines from the same manufacturer as it means that our operators can move across machines with the same operating system. It’s for these reasons thatwe’ve just placed an order for a LTM 1230, due for delivery in early 2023 – we can’t wait!”

UK rental company ABA Crane Hire has just taken delivery of its first Liebherr LTM 1120-4.1. The Stage V emissions compliant crane features a seven section 66 metre main telescopic boom and has been specified with a 10.8 to 19 metre double fly jib, which offsets by up to 40 degrees, and a seven metre insert offers a maximum tip height of more than 94 metres and a maximum radius of 64 metres. The crane comes with remote control as well as Liebherr’s uniqueVarioBase® and VarioBallast® systems. Managing Director Adrian Baggott said: ‘We have been looking forward to the LTM1120 since its release back in 2020. Its strong lifting capacities and its long boom made it the right decision for our business. It will complement our current fleet well sitting in between the 100t and 160t class. With sites getting tighter and tighter, the VarioBallast® will also come in very useful.’ Based in Wolverhampton, central England, ABA Crane Hire operates a fleet of All Terrain, city type, truck and mobile tower cranes with capacities of 160 tonnes and above.

A lifting accident has occurred on the semisubmersible crane vessel Saipem 7000 off the coast of Norway resulting in the ship listing, according to social media reports from the HRS Sor-Norge search and rescue centre at Stavanger. No one has been injured and all personnel have been accounted for, but barges next to the crane vessel had suffered damage and capsized. The Saipem 7000 , originally named the Micoperi 7000 , was conceived in the mid-1980s by its original owners Micoperi as a multipurpose offshore oil platform installation vessel that would be able to install very large oil production platform decks (known as integrated decks) as well as the decks' supporting structures (known as jackets) using its two very large fully revolving cranes Each with a capacity of 7,000t 🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨UPDATE!!🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨 A update on yesterdays load test incident onboard the Saipem 7000. ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️ In the morning of today off the coast of Amoyfjorden (Norway), an incident occurred on the vessel Saipem 7000. After having completed DP trials as per DNV testing program, Saipem 7000 was performing the planned 5 years main cranes load test, under the attendance of the Classification Authority," Saipem said, also confirming that nobody was injured during the incident. "Further to a preliminary assessment, it would appear that the main block wire broke during the test lifting operation and the testing load (two cargo barges) with the main block were released into the water. "The unit, after an initial tilting caused by the load release, promptly returned in a stable position and safe condition. A crane assessment is ongoing," Saipem said.

London area based specialist mobile and tower crane hire company City Lifting has just taken delivery of its second Liebherr LTM 1120-4.1. The Stage V emissions compliant crane features a seven section 66 metre main telescopic boom and has been specified with a 10.8 to 19 metre double fly jib, which offsets by up to 40 degrees, and a seven metre insert offers a maximum tip height of more than 94 metres and a maximum radius of 64 metres. The crane comes with remote control as well as Liebherr’s unique VarioBase® and VarioBallast® systems. City Lifting’s owner Trevor Jepson said: The LTM 1120is ideal for working in urban areas with its VarioBase®outriggers and the smaller counterweight radius of the VarioBallast® system. The long strong boom gives a very quick setup time and good capacities. In the UK we can travel with 20 tonnes of ballast giving reasonableduties as travels and the remaining 11 tonnes can be carried on a three axle truck if required. We specified the hydraulically off settable fly jib for extra outreach over buildings but retaining the ability to lift close in at ground level.’

Crane and heavy haulage contractor Sarens has ordered the very first model of the new Liebherr LR 12500-1.0 crawler crane. The Belgian global contractor is convinced by the concept and performance of the new 2500 tonne crawler crane and will primarily be using it in the renewables industry, for example for handling offshore wind turbines.The new LR 12500-1.0 has plenty of power in reserve for potentially increased future requirements. The new LR 12500-1.0 also marks Liebherr’s response to increasing market requirements for large crawler cranes for the petrochemicals industry and port handling. Handling enormous components for offshore wind turbines at ports, in particular, has become an important area of work for large crawler cranes. With its lifting capacity, the new 2500 tonne crawler crane has also been designed to cover future requirements. Interest in the new LR 12500-1.0 is correspondingly high. Sarens was quickly convinced by the concept and performance of the new 2,500-tonners and ordered the first unit. Managing Director Carl Sarens says: “The high lifting capacity of the LR 12500-1.0 is the outstanding feature for us. The new crane will enable us to close the gap between our crawler and ringer cranes. We are particularly focussing on jobs in renewables for the new 2500 tonne crane. Handling offshore wind turbines at ports is also becoming a much more important business segment and the weights of components continues to rise.” In developing the transport concept, Liebherr ensured that the new crawler crane can be used economically throughout the world. This is an important criterion for global operators like Sarens.