Liebherr G-LTM 1090-4.2

German army required that this military crane would use as many commercially available components as possible. Another requirement was that this military crane must operate in the same manner as a standard commercially available Liebherr crane. German army also ordered a similar Liebherr G-BKF armored recovery crane, which uses similar broadly similar chassis and similar armored cabs.

German army ordered these cranes in 2 slightly different configurations. A total of 17 cranes were configured with 8.4 t of counterweight and are known as “Heavy duty mobile cranes”. Another 21 units were fitted with 22.5 t of counterweight and were designates as “Very heavy duty mobile cranes”. The Liebherr G-LTM 1090-4.2 can be used for various construction tasks, handling of containers, recovery of damaged, stuck or overturned vehicles, and for variety of other tasks. These machines are also well suited for various peacekeeping operations.

This crane has a powerful telescopic boom which extends to 35.7 m. It can lift loads with a maximum weight of 36.6 t. It can be used for medium and heavy crane work. All functions of crane can be controlled from the crane cab or using a remote control unit.

This mobile crane is fitted with a single recovery winch with 49 m of cable. The winch is mounted at the rear and can be used for recovery of stuck, swamped or damaged vehicles, as well as for self-recovery. If required the winch can be moved to the front.

This crane has an armored driver’s cab as well as the crane cab. Liebherr teamed with Rheinmetall Defence in order to develop and produce these cabs. The forward control cab is made of steel armor. The crane cab has a steel frame and ceramic armor in order for reduced overall weight. These cabs provide protection against small arms fire, artillery shell splinters and blasts. There is also an NBC protection system. The forward control cab has a roof hatch and can mount a machine gun for self-defense.

Chassis of this military machine is actually similar to Liebherr commercial models. It is powered by a Liebherr turbocharged diesel engine, developing 449 hp. The engine is mated to a ZF 12-speed automated transmission. This crane has good cross country mobility and can operate off road. It has 8×6 configuration with all-wheel steering. Rear axle steering is engaged at low speeds. This machine is capable of crab steering, which allows to move in tight spaces and parallel to the buildings. Tyre pressure can be adjusted in order to improve mobility over difficult terrain, such as sand, snow and mud. Though it is not a tyre pressure system, typically associated with military vehicle. On this vehicle the tyre pressure is adjusted manually when the vehicle is standing still. Tyres are fitted with run-flat elements. This crane can ford water obstacles up to 0.5 m deep, though this feature is not normally used. It is very unusual for an off-road vehicle to have such a humble fording capability.