- Production of the LTM 1500-8.1 is due to cease after 23 years
- The LTM 1500-8.1 is the most successful crane in its class
- LOCAR has purchased its seventh LTM 1500-8.1 due to the crane’s versatility and the good experience the company has had with it
The end of an era – the last LTM 1500-8.1 left the Liebherr plant in Ehingen at the end of September. The 626th model of the most successful large crane of all time started its journey to South America. When it arrived, Brazilian crane, heavy haulage and lifting platform contractor LOCAR took delivery of the 500-tonne machine at its office in Serra in the state of Espírito Santo. The new LTM 1500-8.1 is the seventh of these cranes that LOCAR has bought over the last few years.
Liebherr first unveiled its 8-axle LTM 1500-8.1 mobile crane 23 years ago at the Bauma 1998. With its high lifting capacity, enormous reliability and mobility on the road and on-site, it has developed into a popular crane for a very wide range of uses all over the world.
The fact that the LTM 1500-8.1 can be used flexibly and universally also played an important role in LOCAR’s decision. Amilcar Spinetti Filho, Technical Director at LOCAR explains: “Our 500-tonne cranes are of great strategic importance for the company as they enable us to work in various market segments such as wind power, petrochemicals and cellulose. Despite its massive power, the LTM 1500-8.1 is a crane which can be readied for use quickly and can be used for both long term and short term rentals.“
Every 500-tonne mobile crane at LOCAR has been supplied by Liebherr. “We decided to stay with to ensure interchangeability. What is more, we are very satisfied with the LTM 1500-8.1 cranes in our fleet. We operate in Brazil and are represented in almost every sector of industry. Because of its versatility, we intend to use the new LTM 1500-8.1 in practically every sector we cover. Our good experience with the identical cranes we already own has shown us that this is easily possible. The LTM 1500-8.1 has become very well established in Brazil and all over the world”, says Spinetti.
LOCAR ordered the new LTM 1500-8.1 with a complete set of equipment, including the 84-metre telescopic boom, to supplement the accessories of the identical machines in the fleet. This also applies to the lattice jibs and telescopic boom guying systems, which significantly increase lifting capacity and range.
LOCAR is celebrating its 33rd anniversary this year. Spinetti continues: “The crane was chosen at an important time for our company because we are celebrating 33 years of consolidation as one of the largest companies in Latin America. LOCAR has a long term, good partnership with Liebherr and we have decided to make the roots of that partnership go even deeper.”
Locar Guindastes e Transportes Intermodais S.A. first opened for business in 1988 and has specialised in crane rental, heavy haulage and lifting platforms. The company currently has an 1100-strong workforce and has 200 mobile cranes in its fleet. Continuous fleet modernisation has enabled LOCAR to provide its customers with the best possible solution at all times.
After several years of facing a great many challenges in its market, LOCAR is optimistic about the next few years and is confident of seeing continued economic growth in its country and market. LOCAR is preparing for this development by extending its fleet and investing in both personnel and the very latest technology.
