The LTM 1500-8.1 is a phenomenon in the mobile crane world. First unveiled by Liebherr at the Bauma 1998, the 500-tonne machine has developed into a bestseller and is now delivering a liability all over the world. The 500th LTM 1500-8.1 was delivered to crane and heavy haulage contractor Riga Mainz in a festive ceremony in March. The Liebherr crane is the most successful telescopic crane in its class in the world – and has won Liebherr a delivery record in the large crane class. Eighteen years ago, Liebherr first unveiled its 500-tonne LTM 1500-8.1 mobile crane at the Bauma 1998. At the time nobody realised what a success the 8-axle crane would become. With its high load capacity, enormous reliability and extraordinary mobility on the road and on site, it has developed into a popular crane for a very wide range of uses. Ten years later in 2008, Liebherr celebrated the sale of its 200th LTM 1500-8.1. Liebherr has kept the 500-tonne machine up to date by making minor improvements, which has made it even more popular. The delivery of a further 100 machines took just two years. The 400th crane was delivered three years later in 2013. And this year, another three years later, the 500th crane of this model rolled off the production line in Ehingen. Riga Mainz has had good experience with the LTM 1500-8.1 The two Managing Directors of Riga Mainz GmbH & Co. KG, Uwe Langer and Karl Reitz, as well as senior manager Friedel Langer and son Tim Langer visited the Liebherr plant in Ehingen to take delivery of their brand new LTM 1500-8.1. The new crane will replace a 14-year-old model of the LTM 1500-8.1 at Riga, which has done sterling work at the company. “It's the best crane in the world” is how Uwe Langer describes the Liebherr 500-tonne machine, backing up his statement with a few facts: “The LTM 1500-8.1 delivers high load capacities over the entire working range and it is very versatile in use. Its overall handling, function and control system are superb.” One of the reasons behind the success of the LTM 1500-8.1 is the variability of its telescopic boom. The crane can be operated with a 50-metre or 84-metre telescopic boom. Crane contractors also appreciate its ease-of-use and the simple, fast erection processes, for example the installation of the ballast, the Y guying and the lattice jibs. The new LTM 1500-8.1 already has a few jobs waiting for it at Riga Mainz. Karl Reitz explains: “The 500-tonner is mainly used by us for general and chemical industry hoisting work. We have already got several lengthy jobs waiting for the crane.” Riga Mainz operates throughout Germany and also throughout the world. Heavy goods transport, industrial assembly work, machinery locations and major projects involving lifting, moving and transporting are among the services provided by the company. It was founded in 1929 specialising in transport and machine trading. Since 1956 Riga Mainz has been involved in hoisting work and crane services and has become established as a successful, reliable contractor. Riga Mainz attaches a great deal of value to having a reliable and well maintained fleet. Its flagship is an LTM 1750-9.1 from Liebherr. A second machine of this type will be delivered to the company in June. The company also has a Liebherr LR 1600/2 crawler crane. Liebherr delivers safety and reliability “Reliability plays an important role in our final purchase decision. The reliability of its after-sales and ready availability of spare parts from Liebherr are the main points in this respect”, says Uwe Langer. At the same time he has not really had to use the services for the LTM 1500-8.1 from Liebherr which has just been replaced since the crane has been so reliable. Uwe Langer also pointed to the good feeling that he and his personnel have working every day with Liebherr cranes. “When you have seen the test loads during the crane acceptance procedure in Ehingen with your own eyes, you know that Liebherr has included plenty of load capacity reserves for safety. That gives you a calm feeling and lots of confidence in the giant machine if you are driving it every day to challenging jobs. You can feel that the people in Ehingen have a passion for their work and love what they do.”