Allied Crane Hire has achieved another major milestone by becoming the first company in Africa to take delivery of the new Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1 mobile crane, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in lifting technology and innovation. The new addition joins Allied’s growing Liebherr fleet, which already includes continental firsts such as the LTM 1110-5.1, LTM 1150-5.3, and LTM 1230-5.1 models.
According to André Engelbrecht, General Manager Africa at Allied Crane Hire, the company’s procurement strategy is not about being first but about finding the right machine for its operational needs. “The timing simply aligned. The LTM 1650-8.1 met our exact project requirements, making it the ideal addition to our fleet,” he explained.
Raising the Benchmark in Performance
The decision to invest in the LTM 1650-8.1 stemmed from growing customer demand for cranes in the 700-tonne capacity range. Allied had successfully operated the LTM 1500-8.1, the predecessor to the new model since 2012. With the older model now discontinued after a record production run of 626 units, Liebherr’s latest version presented a natural upgrade.
Engelbrecht noted, “We were looking for a crane that not only matched the LTM 1500-8.1 but exceeded it in performance. The LTM 1650-8.1 proved to be that crane.” The new model delivers up to 50 percent more lifting capacity than its predecessor, enabled by advanced design and engineering innovations developed over the past two decades.
The crane is available with 54-metre and 80-metre telescopic boom options, both interchangeable through a practical design concept inherited from the earlier model. This flexibility allows operators to adapt the crane to a wide variety of lifting tasks.
Advanced Liebherr Technologies:
The LTM 1650-8.1 features Liebherr’s most advanced systems, including VarioBallast®, VarioBase®, and the new NK System, which simplifies the assembly of luffing jibs in restricted spaces.
Explaining these benefits, Francois Pretorius, Sales Manager for Mobile and Crawler Cranes at Liebherr-Africa, said, “VarioBallast® allows the ballast radius to be adjusted hydraulically between 6.4 and 8.4 metres, making it highly adaptable for tight job sites. Meanwhile, VarioBase® enhances load capacity and working range, especially when the crane operates with partial ballast.”
The crane’s automated luffing jib assembly has also been a standout feature for operators. “It’s incredibly user-friendly,” Pretorius added. “During training, the operator highlighted how simple it was, just move the joystick and the system handles the rest. It saves time, reduces fatigue, and improves safety.”
Proven in Action
Since arriving in September, the crane has already been put to the test in the mining sector, where it impressed with its quick setup and smooth functionality. One of its first tasks involved lifting a 70-tonne heat exchanger for a major South African mining client. Operating with 125 tonnes of counterweight at a radius of 15-16 metres, the LTM 1650-8.1 completed the job with ease.
Strengthening a Trusted Partnership
The acquisition reflects the 25-year partnership between Allied Crane Hire and Liebherr, built on mutual trust, technical excellence, and shared values. Allied’s fleet now includes 20 Liebherr cranes, covering a wide range of capacities and configurations.
Engelbrecht emphasized that aftersales service and technical support remain key decision factors for the company. “We work in production-driven industries where downtime isn’t an option. Liebherr’s consistent technical and parts support is crucial to our success,” he said.
Erik Benz, General Manager for Mobile and Crawler Cranes at Liebherr-Africa, commended the collaboration: “Our partnership with Allied Crane Hire reflects a long-standing relationship rooted in trust and innovation. We’re proud to see them leading the way once again with the first LTM 1650-8.1 in Africa.”
With this latest acquisition, Allied Crane Hire continues to set new standards in heavy lifting, showcasing its commitment to staying at the forefront of technology, reliability, and operational excellence across Africa’s growing industrial and infrastructure landscape.