Kranverleih Kunze has taken delivery of a new LTM 1055-3.3 mobile crane, becoming the first company in Germany to receive this model with a ballast trailer.
The new crane and trailer combination allows the Radeberg-based company to transport the full 11-tonne ballast on public roads without needing individual permits. This gives the company greater flexibility when working across different regions.
Managing Director Dirk Kunze said the setup removes delays linked to permit approvals. “We can move the crane with a full ballast across federal states without having to wait for individual authorisations,” he said.
The LTM 1055-3.3 is described as the lightest 3-axle all terrain crane on the market. Its lightweight design enables axle loads of under nine tonnes and, depending on the configuration, a total weight of less than 26 tonnes. The crane also features a long telescopic boom, allowing it to handle strong lifting capacities, particularly at medium and large radii.
The new model replaces the older LTM 1055-3.1 in Kunze’s fleet. It joins several other Liebherr cranes, including the LTC 1050-3.1, LTM 1120-4.1, MK 88-4.1E and MK 140-5.1E.
Dirk said the crane will mainly be used for industrial construction, concrete and steel work, and energy projects such as substations. “As the LTM 1055-3.3 will serve as a modern and versatile taxi crane for short and medium operations in future, it was essential that the overall concept fitted,” he said. “We had to be able to move the crane and 11 tonnes of ballast without having to apply for additional driving authorisations.”
The transport solution was developed by Liebherr with a local partner. The crane and trailer combination falls within Germany’s “exempt-from-consultation” regulations, allowing a general licence to be issued for nationwide use.
Dirk said this reduces costs and improves efficiency. “As we only have to reapply for this licence every three years, this saves us unnecessary costs,” he said. “We’re also able to operate flexibly throughout Germany: we can reach any site without special driving authorisations. In just one lift, our crane picks up the 11 tonnes of ballast from the trailer and is immediately ready for operation – delivering lifting capacities of up to 3.3 tonnes at a 30-metre radius thanks to VarioBase® Plus.”
The crane has already completed its first jobs in Dresden. In one project, it lifted hollow-core slabs weighing 5.5 tonnes for a materials research institute. In another nearby job, it worked alongside an LTM 1120-4.1 to dismantle a chimney at a former waste-to-energy plant.
Kunze employs nine people and provides both crane and transport services. The company has maintained a long-standing relationship with Liebherr since 2005.
Dirk said the decision to invest in another Liebherr crane was straightforward. “With Liebherr, we have a strong partner at our side – whether uncomplicated processing for new purchases or trade-ins, financing solutions via Südleasing, or service in day-to-day operations,” he said.
