Spence Crane Hire Adds Another Liebherr Mobile Crane to the Fleet

Following hard on the heels of an LTM 1040-2.1 delivered last year, Spence Crane Hire of Newton Abbot, Devon, has added a new generation 55 tonnes capacity Liebherr LTM 1055-3.2 mobile crane to their modern fleet. Top-of-the-range specifications on this latest model include Liebherr's highly successful cutting edge remote control system and Bluetooth technology, which is also a feature of the 40 tonnes crane taken in 2010. Spence Crane Hire has been a Liebherr customer for many years and continues its allegiance with this latest significant investment.

The LTM 1055-3.2 is a three-axle machine (6x6x6 drive/steer), with excellent lifting capabilities right through the duties chart. Equipped with a five-section 40m main boom fitted with a flight-warning beacon located in the boomhead, this crane has a maximum under-hook-height of 41 metres and a 1.40 tonnes capacity at 36 metres working radius. Spence has taken their new crane with a 16m dual swing-away fly-jib which can be offset by 0°, 20°, and 40°, producing a maximum 56m under-hook-height and a working radius of 48m lifting 0.60 tonnes.

The Liebherr LTM 1055-3.2 is powered by a single Liebherr engine, type D936L A6, developing 270kW and complying with the latest 97/68/EG stage 3 and EPA/CARB Tier 3 low emissions regulations. The carrier has a ZF twelve-speed gearbox with the AS-TRONIC automatic control system. The hydropneumatic suspension guarantees smooth road travel and excellent all-terrain capabilities. Site agility is optimised with all-axle steer and drive, with all axles featuring lockable differential gears. The carrier cab is typically comfortable and functional for road travel and a special reversing camera and colour monitor system has also been installed. Steering can be also carried out from the crane cab which, again, is a superb work station for the operator, with air-conditioning, full instrumentation, multi-directional control levers and Liebherr's own state-of-the-art LICCON 2 safe load indicator system. Electrical and electronic system components are controlled by the latest databus techique.

The LICCON 2 generation of Liebherr's mobile crane control systems takes operational efficiency, performance and safety to new heights with innovative technological developments. The colour data display on the LICCON 2 monitor in the crane cab enhances readability and clarity with indications, warning displays and crane utilization that are easy to view. Below the joysticks, touch-screen displays are provided for comfortable and easy activation of the different operational functions. Amongst these are the carrier drive and steering programmes, the suspension system, setting up of the crane on outriggers, adjustment of the working floodlights as well as the cab's air-conditioning system.

The BTT-Bluetooth function provides the operator with a wireless remote control system for all superstructure operations, plus outrigger activation and positioning, engine start and stop function and engine speed, electronic inclination display, automatic levelling during set-up and a display showing outrigger ground pressures. Using the new BTT-Bluetooth system, the crane operator can also attach and detach the hookblock from the front bumper by remotely controlling the hoist winch and the luffing ram on the telescopic boom — all under close view. Another user benefit is that, during road travel, the BTT-Bluetooth terminal is plugged into the driving cockpit to display mileage and working hours information as well as carrier performance data.

Commenting on his company's new fleet addition, Julian Spence said "This is the eleventh Liebherr mobile crane we have bought over the years and is indicative of our long-standing relationship with the company and the build quality and performance of their mobile cranes. We've been very pleased with our LTM 1040 and its remote control system," he continues, "which is why we've opted for the same again on our new 55 tonner. We believe we have the only two mobile cranes based in the West Country with this BTT-Bluetooth remote control unit which makes the set-up procedure safer and quicker and, if required, the operator can benefit from a close view of the load to be lifted and placed."

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