The first 250 tonne Liebherr LR 1250.1 Unplugged electric crawler crane in the UK has been handed over to Select Plant Hire.

The new crane is only the second of Liebherr’s new Unplugged models to be shipped so far, the first having gone to a Kynningsrud/Nordic Crane. The crane models was unveiled last year in December.

The new crane is the first in a planned fleet of battery powered machines for Select, a division of engineering firm Laing O’Rourke. As well as being able to run a typical shift on the lithium-ion battery pack, it can operate while plugged in and recharging.

Select business unit leader, Alex Warrington, said: “With one of the largest fleets of crawler cranes in the UK, we have always sought to lead the industry by sourcing cranes with the latest technology engines.

We identified crawler cranes as an area of potential for electric machines and are proud to partner with Liebherr whose exciting product development has made this a reality. The industry is placing a much greater value on sustainability, energy consumption and zero carbon targets.”