Björn and Hagen Sommer are the third generation of the family to run the company
Sommer Kranverleih GmbH has taken delivery of a new Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1 mobile crane. The 8-axle crane replaces an LTM 1500-8.1, with which the Bremen-based company entered the large crane class in 2017. Since then, Sommer has established itself in this segment: One LTM 1450-8.1 and two LTM 1750-9.1 are part of the Sommer crane fleet in the upper lifting capacity segment. Another LTM 1750-9.1 will be added in April.
Ehingen (Donau) (Germany), 3 June 2024 – "We feel comfortable in the large crane class and demand in the market is good," explains Björn Sommer, who runs the family business together with his cousin Hagen. He continues: "With the LTM 1650-8.1, we're boosting our fleet in the upper load capacity segment on the one hand, and on the other hand we're extending our LTM 1750-9.1 downwards, because with one less axle, the LTM 1650-8.1 is more compact and manoeuvrable."
Fully equipped for a wide range of applications
Sommer is planning the LTM 1650-8.1 for contracts in industry and infrastructure projects as well as for the construction and dismantling of wind turbines. Sommer has purchased both boom variants, the 54 and the 80 metre telescopic boom, for this range of different applications. Björn Sommer declares: "This offers us more flexibility and has tremendous advantages. The wind power configuration with the six metre long lattice type fixed jib typically allows us to significantly reduce the time needed to move the crane in wind farms. It's much easier to install than a luffing jib."
"We also opted for the LTM 1650-8.1 – as this allows us to interchange ballast plates and lattice sections with those of our LTM 1750-9.1. That comes with logistics benefits too", states Hagen Sommer.
Proven prowess in its very first job
The LTM 1650-8.1 proved its worth on its very first job, dismantling six old wind turbines in Schleswig-Holstein. Björn Sommer declares: "We were able to use the T5 configuration – the 80-metre telescopic boom – right from the start. This has huge advantages, because with the LTM 1500-8.1 we would have had to build a luffing jib or at least a lattice type fixed jib. We also managed with just 75 tonnes of ballast. This reduces set-up and conversion times. Our staff are delighted with the simplicity of the LTM 1650-8.1. The new crane means that projects can take a lot less time – thus freeing up capacity or further orders."
Family business with decades of tradition
Hagen and Björn are the third generation of managing partners to run the Sommer family business, which was founded in 1959. The company focuses on crane hire with 25 mobile cranes from 40 to 800 tonnes lifting capacity in Bremen and the surrounding area. Large cranes are used throughout Germany. Sommer Kranverleih GmbH regularly modernises its fleet. In January, the company took delivery of two new Liebherr LTC 1050-3.1 compact cranes, one with a rope jib and the other with a TELEMATIK fast-erecting system. A crane package from Liebherr has been ordered for 2024 to rejuvenate the cranes in the 4- and 5-axle class.
About Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH is a leading manufacturer of mobile and crawler cranes. Its range of mobile cranes extends from 2-axle 35 tonne cranes to heavy duty cranes with a lifting capacity of 1200 tonnes and a 9-axle chassis. Its lattice boom cranes on mobile or crawler travel gear deliver lifting capacities of up to 3000 tonnes. With universal boom systems and extensive additional equipment, they can be seen in action on construction sites throughout the world. The Ehingen site has a workforce of 5,000. An extensive, global service network guarantees the high availability of Liebherr mobile and crawler cranes. In 2023, the Liebherr plant in Ehingen recorded a turnover of 2.81 billion euros.
About the Liebherr Group – 75 years of moving forward
The Liebherr Group is a family-run technology company with a highly diversified product programme. The company is one of the largest construction equipment manufacturers in the world. It also provides high-quality, user-oriented products and services in a wide range of other areas. The Liebherr Group includes over 150 companies across all continents. In 2023, it employed more than 50,000 staff and achieved combined revenues of over 14 billion euros. Liebherr was founded by Hans Liebherr in 1949 in the southern German town of Kirchdorf an der Iller. Since then, the employees have been pursuing the goal of achieving continuous technological innovation, and bringing industry-leading solutions to its customers. Under the slogan ‘75 years of moving forward’, the Group celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2024.
Contact
Wolfgang Beringer
Marketing and Communication
Phone: +49 7391/502 - 3663
Email: wolfgang.beringer@liebherr.com
Published by
Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH
Ehingen (Donau) / Germany
www.liebherr.com
