Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH has achieved a major production milestone with the delivery of its 50,000th mobile crane. In early November, the commemorative model — an LTM 1300-6.4 — was formally presented to BKL Baukran Logistik GmbH, highlighting the sustained growth of the site since operations began in 1969. Production numbers have accelerated significantly over the years: after delivering the 20,000th unit in 2006, the 30,000 mark was passed just eight years later. The next 10,000 cranes rolled out within six years, and now, five years after that, the 50,000 achievement has been reached.
Representing BKL, Robert Popp, Managing Director of Technology, and Tizian Ochmann, Head of the Frankfurt branch, travelled to Ehingen for the ceremonial handover. “Our collaboration with Liebherr goes back many years,” Popp said. “We are proud to take delivery of this milestone machine and congratulate Liebherr on an outstanding chapter in its history.”
The new LTM 1300-6.4 will replace the previous-generation LTM 1300-6.2 at BKL’s Frankfurt location. Ochmann noted that the crane’s 90-metre telescopic boom brings valuable flexibility: “This 300-tonne model fits perfectly into our lineup, especially for confined city sites. Its long boom allows us to erect tower cranes without additional jib sections — one of its core applications.”
Introduced in spring 2024, the LTM 1300-6.4 features a redesigned driver’s cab and the latest LICCON3 control system, distinguishing it from its predecessor, the LTM 1300-6.3. BKL already operates several 6-axle cranes of the previous version, and the strong operational experience helped drive the shift to the updated model. The new assistance systems also align with the company’s focus on ongoing technical advancement and reliability across its fleet.
BKL Frankfurt already runs several LICCON3-equipped machines, including the LTM 1100-5.3 and LTM 1110-5.2, alongside a wide selection of cranes stationed permanently at the site. The newest addition, the MK 120-5.1E, joins a fleet that also includes modern mobile construction cranes designed for operation on grid power at job sites.
Founded in 1969 under the ownership of Hans Liebherr, the Ehingen facility began assembling mobile and ship cranes in its first year, adding heavy-duty crawler cranes by 1978. Rising capacity requirements led to the complete shift to mobile crane production in 1980, while ship and offshore crane manufacturing moved to Liebherr-Werk Nenzing GmbH.
By the mid-1980s, Liebherr had transitioned its truck crane line to the pioneering LTM all-terrain series — purpose-built for both highways and rough ground. This development set the foundation for the company’s global leadership in mobile cranes. Today, around 2,000 cranes are produced annually at Ehingen, underscoring the site’s central role in the industry.
