April 18 - Ralph Heintzelmann, the managing director of Ludwigshafen-based crane hire company Heintzelmann Autokrane has visited Liebherr's Ehingen plant in person to take charge of the company's new Liebherr LTC 1045-3.1 mobile crane.

Heintzelmann said: "We have been expecting a compact crane in the 45-tonne class from Liebherr, and the innovative concept of LTC 1045-3.1 is exactly what we have been waiting for."

Heintzelmann Autokrane will use the new Liebherr crane to replace a unit from a competitor. Heintzelmann said: "The new LTC has a number of technical advantages: higher lifting capacities, in particular with the assembly jib, and it is a higher performer when telescoping under load. The crane is more convenient and user-friendly thanks to the new cab concept, and the lift-cab option is unique."

Within the past few months the company, which has several branches in the Rhine-Neckar region and some 20 cranes on its books, has reinforced its capacity with four Liebherr mobile cranes: two LTM 1070-4.2, an LTM 1095-5.1and an LTM 1130-5.1.