Liebherr fast erecting crane L1-32 in operation at a residential building south of Hamburg.

Family-run general contractor Heims Holzbau has ordered three new Liebherr L1-32 fast-erecting cranes. All three are already in operation; Heims is happy.

With its 30-metre radius, a standard hook height of 21.3 metres and a 4-tonne maximum load capacity, the L1-32 is a perfect fit for Benjamin Heims, managing director of timber construction company Heims Holzbau. The hydraulic tower concept offers him a huge advantage, namely simple and cost-effective assembly by his own employees. This was indeed one of the reasons Heims decided to purchase three Liebherr fast-erecting cranes in one go, “Transport and assembly are quicker and easier – and of course it’s a good thing when all employees are always able to work with the same crane. It makes everything easier, quicker and safer for everyone involved.”

Space constraints at old manor house

“The most challenging job so far has been assembling a crane at an old manor house. Space was so tight at the park-like residential complex that other companies had already declined the job. But thanks to our skilled employees, and the help of the new L1-32, we managed it,” says Benjamin Heims, managing director of Heims Holzbau. The compact 4 x 4-metre support dimensions were a particular advantage in this situation.

Efficient transport logistics and flexible ballast concept

In addition to its compact transport and installation dimensions, the L1-32 also impresses with its efficient transport logistics and flexible ballast concept. As is usual for a crane of this class, two trucks are needed to transport the L1-32. However, with special attention given to logistics, the L1-32 also offers the option of being driven to its site using just one transport vehicle. In this case, the crane, with its low-speed axle and five tonnes of basic ballast as well as ten tonnes of additional ballast, can be transported to a site via a standard three-axle towing vehicle. As a result, the crane is fully deployable – with only a small adjustment of the load curve, but with a maximum jib head load and lifting capacity of 1,050 kilogrammes or four tonnes. For unrestricted use, two further tonnes of ballast are required, so 17 tonnes of ballast in total.

As the big brother of the L1-24, the L1-32 has another decisive advantage: Thanks to its four-tonne maximum load capacity it can also lift larger prefabricated parts such as concrete steps and is particularly suitable for the construction of somewhat larger detached and semi-detached houses as well as smaller apartment buildings.