NZ Crane Hire made the decision in 2019 to move toward an all-Liebherr all-terrain crane fleet, it wasn’t simply about aligning with a leading brand.
It was the culmination of decades of practical experience, engineering evaluation, and first-hand understanding of what works best in New Zealand’s complex lifting landscape.
Now led by Managing Director William Dobson – an engineer by training and a leader with a deep understanding of both technical and operational realities – the Auckland-based company has carved a niche for itself.
NZ Crane Hire was established in 1999 through the amalgamation of several regional players – Central Cranes, Roebuck Cranes, and other smaller outfits – under the leadership of founders Deane Manley, Steve Handyside, and Ian Roebuck. Over time, the business evolved from a multi-service crane company offering access equipment and tower cranes to one sharply focused on mobile crane hire.
“In 2025, we made the decision to double down on what we do best,” said William. “Mobile cranes are our core. Today, we operate a fleet of 17 cranes ranging from a nimble 13-tonner to a 450-tonne heavy lifter. That specialisation helps us deliver focused, value-added service, especially in technically demanding environments like infrastructure and marine.”
Reason behind fleet transition
For years, NZ Crane Hire operated a mixed fleet that included cranes from different manufacturers. But the turning point came in 2019, when the team began evaluating options to replace the existing 450-tonne crane.
“We looked across the market at the time,” William said. “And while other OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) were still running equipment with designs that hadn’t changed in over a decade, Liebherr stood out as a brand putting real money into research and development. The LTM 1450-8.1 had features none of the others could offer.”
Among those features: 85 metres of telescopic boom, roadability with outriggers installed, VarioBase and VarioBallast systems for adaptive lifting and stabilisation, and advanced safety innovations such as handrails on counterweights and harness points on the boom.
“We could road the crane with its outriggers on. That’s a massive cost and time saver. It can head to site configured as a 160-tonne or 120-tonne unit if needed,” William said. “Compared to the previous crane we had, the Liebherr 1450 is in a completely different league when it comes to utilisation. It’s simply more flexible and operationally efficient.”
More recently, NZ Crane Hire added two more Liebherr cranes to its growing fleet: the LTM 1120-4.1 and the LTM
1030-2.1, both strategically selected to meet specific lifting demands. “The LTM 1120 was a no-brainer,” said William. “It’s the most powerful four-axle crane in the market today, with reach and capacity that challenges five-axle competitors. What really works for us is that it offers the performance of a 120-tonner but sits in the footprint of a 90-tonne machine. That means fewer permits, easier access to sites, and smoother logistics.”
Unveiled at Conexpo 2020 in Las Vegas, the LTM 1120 features a 66-metre main boom, the longest in its class, along with the advanced Liebherr control systems that allow for flexible configurations and optimised lifting in tight working areas. It’s ideal for work involving tower crane erections, telecommunications infrastructure, and precision industrial lifts.
Alongside it, the LTM 1030-2.1, first introduced in 1997 and widely regarded as the best-selling mobile crane of all time, plays a supporting but vital role in NZ Crane Hire’s operations. “We added another 1030 at the same time,” William said. “It’s a proven machine – simple, compact, and incredibly reliable. When you’re working in tight, urban environments, that crane delivers every time.”
One of the biggest advantages of transitioning to a predominantly Liebherr fleet is consistency for operators, maintenance teams, and clients alike.
“If you have a mixed fleet, you’ll always run into problems where some operators can only run certain models. That creates scheduling bottlenecks and increases the chance of mistakes,” William said. “With Liebherr, it’s one system, one interface. That consistency improves safety and efficiency across the board.”
The built-in safety systems on Liebherr cranes were another major factor in the decision.
“They think about operator protection – from handrails on the counterweight base plate to harness points and anti-slip platforms. It’s that attention to detail that speaks volumes about their design process.”
Trusted support network
Having advanced equipment is one thing, backing it with responsive, skilled support is another. For William and his team, Liebherr’s service network in New Zealand has been a key differentiator.
“Liebherr is the only manufacturer in the all-terrain space with factory-trained technicians on the ground in New Zealand. We’re not going through agents or middlemen,” he said. “And when you need someone in the middle of the night, like we have in the past, they’re there.”
He shares a telling example: “I remember calling Andy Cameron, the Country Manager at 1am. He was in the service team back then. He drove two hours in the dark to fix a crane on a closed section of highway, then drove home. That kind of support builds real trust.”
Following the retirement of long-time Liebherr figure Tom Curran, William said Andy’s transition into a leadership role has been seamless.
“Tom left big shoes to fill, but Andy has earned our respect over many years. He understands our needs and is responsive, which is exactly what you want in a partner.”
Engineering-led lifting
NZ Crane Hire is a machine rental company and an engineering-led lifting specialist. With a team of about 30, including some who have been with the business since the early days of Central Cranes, the company delivers lift planning that goes beyond the ordinary.
“Our lift planning services range from basic plans to full 3D simulations using AutoCAD and Cranebee,” said William. “We take pride in offering millimetre-accurate planning, especially for complex infrastructure and marine projects where precision is non-negotiable.
“Our customers don’t just hire a crane, they hire a complete lifting solution. The equipment is important, but the planning and execution is where we add real value.”