Live from Liebherr Customer Days

The 2024 Liebherr Customer Days was held at the company’s new Berg location in order to avoid halting production at the Ehingen factory.

2024 marks the 75th anniversary of The Liebherr Group, as well as the return of Customer Days. Held on June 11-13, some 3,000 North American and international customers and press were invited to attend the crane event at the company’s new Berg location. When we received the media invitation, I volunteered to dust off my passport and head to Germany. I hadn’t been to a Customer Days since 2018.

To kick off the day, attendees were treated to a mesmerizing display that can only be likened to a choreographed dance. Liebherr operators showcased a variety of crane models in an intricate performance. Mobile cranes weaved in and out in a mesmerizing waltz as crane operators wowed the audience. The finale featured a tandem lift of a rough terrain driven onto a lattice boom section that required changing the center of gravity in three axis.

Customer Days also set the scene for the world premiere for Liebherr’s new 6-axle LTM 1400-6.1. The LTM 1400-6.1 has a 70-meter (230-foot) telescopic boom. The new crane is the successor to the LTM 1350-6.1. Like its predecessor, the LTM 1400-6.1 is now the smallest crane with Y-guying capacity enhancement. However, the LTM 1400-6.1 boasts higher lifting capacities than the LTM 1350-6.1.

Attendees also had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the LTC-1050 3.1E, featuring an electric drive, along with testing out the new LICCON3 control system. Liebherr also unveiled a new and improved version of the CraneFinder app, now available for smartphones and tablets. The software aids in finding the right crane and configuration for a specific load. Upgrades include new integrated features.

The finale of Liebherr’s crane show featured a tandem lift of a rough terrain that required changing the center of gravity in three axis.

Staggered throughout the day, visitors were also treated to an in-depth tour of the Ehingen factory, located a short distance away from the Berg repair center, which famously manufactures a wide assortment of mobile and crawler cranes.

Customer feedback

Ideal Crane Rental’s Kristin Chose enjoyed Liebherr Customer Days 2024 said her favorite part of the day was the factory tour in Ehingen.

“It was very interesting to see where our LTM cranes are built,” said Chose. “The product show was also impressive, and we enjoyed seeing the new innovation Liebherr has to offer.”

She attended with her brother Kurt Kalhagen, who also works for Ideal, a family-owned company that has been in operation for over 50 years.

“We appreciate Liebherr as a family-run company. We have a wide variety of Liebherr cranes in our fleet and they continue to offer impressive, reliable products.”

Colby Milward, vice president of operations for Oklahoma-based Southern Lifting and Hoisting, attended Customer Days with his wife Megan.

“The Liebherr Group continues to bolster its reputation as the leader in the crane world, showcasing innovation and engineering excellence at Customer Days,” Milward said.

Shane Dooley, field operations manager for Alaska Crane, echoed Milward’s sentiments.

“It’s amazing to see the progress that Liebherr has made over the years, and moreover, the broad customer base that Liebherr has,” he said. “I look forward to seeing the imprint Liebherr leaves in the industry moving forward.”

Top-tier travels

Nearly 100 North American attendees of the 2024 Customer Days were treated to a variety of sightseeing opportunities in both Austria and Germany. The Interalpen Hotel-Tyrel, owned by Liebherr, served as a five-star stomping ground tucked amidst the Swiss Alps. There was no shortage of pretzels, hearty beers and other German fare as guests enjoyed everything the lavish destination had to offer.

“I think they did a great job giving us a truly memorable and entertaining experience, while also showcasing why we were all there,” said Sam Harper, operations assistant, Budrovich Contracting. “From site seeing, to mountain hut dinners, to cranes on cranes on cranes, there wasn’t a shortage of excitement. From one day to the next, it was evident Liebherr wanted to show us their passion and show us how much they care. It won’t be a trip I soon forget.”

Attendees also had the opportunity to explore Innsbruck, the capital city of Tyrel, as well as a tour of 19th-centry Neuschwanstein Castle, former residence of the “Mad” King Ludwig II of Bavaria.

While it was hard to say Auf Wiedersehen to such an amazing adventure abroad, ACT is certain Liehberr will have many more exciting launches in the near future.