The Liebherr LTM 1050 isn't the best all around crane for small jobs like everyone says

I spent 6 months running one of those on a bridge project near Columbus last year. Everyone told me it was the gold standard for small pick work but I found the counterweight setup took way longer than my old Grove. The telescoping was smooth but the outriggers felt finicky in tight spots compared to the old Terex I used before. I'd rather take a slower boom that sets up in 20 minutes than a fast lift that takes 45 to get ready. Has anyone else swapped back to a simpler rig after running one of these newer models?

2 comments

2 Comments

baker.riley5d ago

Man, I feel you on that counterweight struggle. I ran one for a few months and it drove me crazy how much time I wasted just getting the setup right. Sometimes you just want a crane that works without all the extra fuss.

barnes.shane5d ago

Did you see that article in Crane Hot Line last month about how the new Liebherr models are getting too complicated for standard job sites? I read it and it matched what @baker.riley said about setup time killing the workflow. Simple rigs that just work are way more valuable in the field than fancy booms that take forever to prep.