A new crawler crane is making waves in the construction logistics sector. The LTR 1150, a powerful telescopic crawler crane from Liebherr, has entered the field, bridging the gap between 100 and 220-tonne capacity machines with a transport-friendly design.
Making its first appearance near Lelystad in the Netherlands, the LTR 1150 rolled onto the job site ready for work—with its crawler tracks attached and a total transport weight of just 60 tonnes. That’s the same compact travel profile as the smaller LTR 1100, despite offering significantly more lifting power. For Vema Crane, the Dutch company that first took delivery, this was exactly what they were after.
Crane operator Henk Poot was behind the controls on day one. “A major benefit is the fast relocation from one construction site to the next,” he said, sitting inside the cab with a 45-metre telescopic boom fully extended and full ballast loaded. Working on a massive logistics center near the IJsselmeer, Poot handled concrete walls, base plates, and pillars weighing up to 14 tonnes. “A really practical crane for concrete construction,” he added.
What makes the LTR 1150 especially attractive for operators is its adaptability on uneven terrain. The crawler carriers made light work of muddy conditions, and the adjustable track widths—ranging from 3.5 to 5.8 meters—gave Poot room to maneuver in tight spots. “I can get through everywhere,” he said, “and later, when space becomes limited, I can adjust the crawler carriers to a narrower track.”
Belgian construction firm Willy Naessens sent a team to see the crane in action. Managing Director Tom Vanpassel was blunt about the transport advantage. “When we move a small lattice boom crawler crane, it takes four days. The LTR 1150? Just one. Ballast on top, done.” With the ability to move the crane in its entirety without disassembly, Naessens sees real potential in adding the unit to its fleet.
The crane’s compact footprint also plays into regional regulations. In the Benelux area, cranes must undergo fresh certification if reassembled from separate components. Not an issue with the LTR 1150, which arrives and works as a single unit.
With hook heights up to 83 meters when fitted with lattice jibs, the LTR 1150 blends lifting power with mobility—two things rarely found in the same package.
