Ideal Crane adds three Liebherr mobile cranes to fleet

Ideal Crane Rental is expanding its fleet with the purchase of three Liebherr mobile cranes – an LTM 1450-8.1, an LTM 1160-5.2 and an LTM 1100-5.2. When the company takes delivery of the cranes this summer, each will fill a specific need for Ideal, according to Bob Kalhagen, the president of Ideal Crane.

“The LTM 1450-8.1 will be our largest crane,” said Kalhagen. “We really liked what we saw with the Liebherr variable counterweights, variable outrigger base and other options.”

The LTM 1450-8.1 is a 550 ton-class 8-axle crane with a 279 foot telescopic boom. Designed for cost effective mobility, the crane can travel on public roads and quickly be setup for use once it reaches a jobsite.

Ideal’s incoming LTM 1160-5.2  is a replacement for an older crane of the same type.

“It has been a great, dependable crane, but we liked a lot of new features on the new 1160-5.2,” said Kalhagen. “Those features include the two position counterweight, a rigging jib and not needing cheek weights. There were so many things we liked about the new crane we decided to upgrade.” The LTM 1160-5.2 has a 203 foot telescopic boom. With the VarioBallast system, the crane can deliver high load capacities with a large ballast radius and the crane is a good choice for use on constricted sites with a small ballast radius.

The incoming LTM 1100-5.2 is a replacement for an existing crane made by a different manufacturer. The LTM 1100-5.2 is one of the most compact cranes in the class. It features active, speed-dependent rear axle steering and the ability to carry up to 25,300 pounds of counterweight, along with the swing away jib.