Refurbished but First-Class: A Strategic Move for Universal Cranes
In a move to bolster its fleet with high-performance heavy lifting solutions, Universal Cranes has acquired a fully refurbished Liebherr LTR 11200. The Australian crane hire company, known for its expertise in heavy lifting and logistics, saw the potential in a pre-used yet overhauled model. The decision aligns with its strategy to meet the rising demand for efficient, short-term heavy lifting solutions in infrastructure and industrial projects.
Among its first major assignments, the LTR 11200 was deployed to modernize a railway crossing in Brisbane, successfully installing pre-cast bridge girders. The telescopic crawler crane demonstrated its adaptability in complex infrastructure projects, proving that even pre-used cranes can deliver top-tier performance.
Catering to Growing Demands in Heavy Lifting
As infrastructure projects grow in scale, the need for powerful, mobile, and efficient cranes becomes critical. Mark Happer, General Manager at Universal Cranes, emphasized that the addition of the LTR 11200 was a direct response to evolving customer demands.
“Our customers require the ability to lift larger, heavier loads on short-term hires while ensuring easy on-site relocation without derigging the crane. The LTR 11200 is the perfect fit, offering versatility across multiple industries—from infrastructure to industrial projects,” said Happer.
The telescopic boom, a hallmark of the LTR 11200, provides distinct advantages over lattice boom alternatives, with quicker setup times, reduced counterweights, and minimal space requirements. Ben Smith, National Operations Manager at Universal Cranes, also highlighted the crane’s adaptability:
“We can move the crane fully equipped across steep terrain, and in pedestal mode, it allows us to work without bringing the crawlers onto the site.”
A Crane Built for All-Terrain Challenges
The 1,200-tonne LTR 11200 boasts the longest telescopic boom in the world, reaching an impressive 100 meters. Originally designed for wind turbine erection, it has since found applications in a variety of heavy-duty lifting scenarios.
Compared to lattice boom cranes, the LTR 11200 offers faster setup times and requires less space for assembly. Its various transport configurations also make it a cost-effective solution for global deployments.
Happer elaborated on the efficiency of the crawler crane:
“Unlike other heavy-duty cranes, the LTR 11200 requires minimal space for installation. The telescopic boom significantly reduces assembly requirements compared to lattice boom crawlers, making it ideal for space-constrained job sites.”
Successful Deployment in Brisbane’s Level Crossing Modernization
One of the first jobs for the LTR 11200 was assisting in the modernization of a railway crossing in Brisbane. The crane was tasked with lifting and positioning nine pre-cast concrete bridge girders, each measuring 35 meters and weighing 76 tonnes.
Outfitted with a 28-meter main boom, a 36-meter luffing jib, and 182 tonnes of ballast, the crane tackled the project for Bielby Hull Joint Venture, requiring meticulous planning to ensure seamless execution.
Patrick Silver, Projects and Heavy Lift Division Manager at Universal Cranes, noted the complexity of the task:
“The project had to be executed during ongoing railway operations, which meant months of preparation and close collaboration with key stakeholders. The bridge girders were stored on-site before installation to mitigate any risks associated with rail closures, ensuring the lifts proceeded without delays.”
Thanks to its crawler undercarriage, the LTR 11200 could be set up in an adjacent yard, away from the railway and roadways, optimizing space and minimizing disruption. The operation was successfully completed within two days, meeting all project deadlines.
A Strong Partnership with Liebherr
The acquisition of the LTR 11200 marks yet another addition to Universal Cranes’ fleet, which now totals 278 cranes across Australia, New Zealand, and Guam. With 47 Liebherr cranes already in service, the company continues to reinforce its partnership with the German manufacturer.
Ben Smith praised Liebherr’s reliability and quality control in reconditioning used cranes:
“We’ve always received excellent service and support from Liebherr. Our long-term partnership is built on shared values and trust. That’s why we were confident in purchasing a refurbished LTR 11200 from Ehingen, knowing that Liebherr’s pre-used cranes are meticulously reconditioned to match the high standards of new models.”
During the reconditioning process, Smith visited Liebherr’s factory in Ehingen, Germany, and was impressed by the attention to detail:
“The team, from project managers to technicians, put their heart and soul into their work. Seeing the refurbishment process firsthand reinforced our confidence in the crane’s quality and performance.”
With a proven track record, a growing fleet, and a commitment to quality, Universal Cranes continues to position itself as a leader in heavy lifting and infrastructure support across the region.
