JUNE 2026 Ӏ NEWS


INTERNATIONAL


Munich Fire Brigade buys two new Liebherr LTM 1070-4.2 cranes


The Munich Fire Brigade has started operating two new Liebherr LTM 1070- 4.2 fire brigade cranes, replacing older models purchased in 1991 and 1998. These 70 tonne response cranes


are positioned in the north-west and south-east areas of Munich, ensuring a maximum response time of 30 minutes. “The reliability of vehicles and equipment is a very important issue for us as a fire service,” said Munich Fire Service fire officer Dominik Franz. “The previous cranes served us reliably for many years but as they age, the risk of technical faults and the cost of repairs increase significantly.” The new cranes will be used for technical rescue operations. The city selected the Liebherr LTM 1070-4.2 following a Europe-wide tender process. Authorities cited both the vehicle’s technical features and its suitability for fire service operations as deciding factors. They required high lifting capacity with ballast on board, strong manoeuvrability, and adaptable outriggers, all of which are necessary for working in urban spaces. The cranes are equipped with a rear


recovery winch, an intercom system for clear communication between the operator and rigger, and can accommodate snow chains for harsh winter conditions. Munich Fire Brigade’s cranes are


routinely dispatched to serious traffic accidents involving large vehicles, rail and tram incidents, storm responses, and rescues from significant heights or depths. Instances involving damaged construction cranes or machinery also fall within their remit. Upon request the cranes can support operations in neighbouring districts.


Before operating the new equipment


the fire brigade completed a training programme that included instructor courses at the Liebherr facility in Ehingen, driver training at a military training ground, and further in-house instruction for all crane operators. An additional external seminar covered vehicle and machinery recovery. “The collaboration with Liebherr was


very professional throughout the entire procurement process,” said Franz. “We have received two high-quality cranes that provide us with optimal support in our daily work.”


CranePower launches E-Gen battery power


New Zealand-based CranePower has introduced the E-Gen, a battery-based mobile power system aimed at reducing construction sites’ dependence on diesel generators. Early use of the system in New Zealand and Australia has resulted in operational fuel costs dropping by up to 85%, the company claims. Construction firms using the E-Gen


have reported an increase in hourly profits, citing reduced downtime and removal of refuelling requirements as significant factors.


The E-Gen operates as a compact


Battery Energy Storage System. It incorporates CranePower’s Adaptive Power real-time energy management platform. This manages input from generators, mains power, and onboard battery storage, allowing immediate response to fluctuations in power demand. Sites equipped with the system may


operate smaller generators or connect to existing three-phase outlets without the need for transformers, which is intended to streamline energy delivery. Traditional diesel systems typically maintain low operating loads in anticipation of sudden high-power events, often leading to inefficiencies. The new system is designed to balance


energy use during these peak periods and aims to reduce downtime related to generator malfunctions or lack of fuel. It occupies only a tenth of the ground


area required by standard containerised battery setups and can be transported using a standard pickup truck. Up to eight units can be linked for larger operations. The device is equipped with 4G-based


remote monitoring, giving users access to updates on usage, charge status, and operational conditions. By providing zero-emission site power,


CranePower’s E-Gen offers a measurable reduction in on-site carbon output while allowing users to monitor energy consumption and emissions avoided. This data is designed to support both economic performance and compliance with environmental targets. “The E-Gen system is an efficiency


multiplier, said CranePower founder and engineer Elliot Peacocke. “It saves time, space, and day-to-day operational costs. “Even before factoring in reduced maintenance over its 15-year lifespan, the fuel savings alone are enough to recoup the purchase cost in its initial 20 months of use. “Aligning this operational efficiency


with its immediate reduction of construction emissions and embodied carbon makes it a powerful tool for a sector facing both new challenges and rapid growth.”


CRANES TODAY 13


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53