South Africa’s heavy lifting sector has taken a significant step forward with the delivery of the first Liebherr mobile cranes equipped with the advanced LICCON3 control system. Leading crane hire companies Marlboro Crane Hire and Concord Cranes are the first in Africa to invest in the new-generation LTM 1100-5.3 cranes, reinforcing their commitment to smarter, safer, and more efficient lifting solutions.
Driving innovation in heavy lifting
The introduction of LICCON3 technology marks a major milestone for the regional lifting industry, bringing enhanced operational efficiency, improved safety features, and a more intuitive user interface.
Both companies’ investment reflects a broader shift within the industry towards adopting advanced technologies that improve performance while reducing operational risks.
Marlboro Crane Hire, founded in 1992, operates a fleet of over 125 cranes with lifting capacities of up to 1,200 tonnes. The addition of the LTM 1100-5.3 forms part of its ongoing fleet modernisation programme focused on high-capacity equipment.
Meanwhile, Concord Cranes—part of the Bud Group—continues to expand its footprint across Southern Africa, offering crane hire, rigging, and specialised transport solutions.
LICCON3: blending familiarity with advanced technology
The transition from the previous LICCON2 system to LICCON3 has been designed to be seamless, combining familiar operational features with significant technological upgrades.
The new system offers increased computing power, enhanced software capabilities, and improved data processing—resulting in greater efficiency and enhanced safety across job sites. A redesigned interface and touchscreen controls further simplify operation, making the system more user-friendly for operators.
In addition, LICCON3 cranes are equipped with telemetry and fleet management capabilities as standard, enabling better monitoring and optimisation of operations.
LTM 1100-5.3: performance and efficiency combined
The LTM 1100-5.3 stands out as a highly versatile and efficient “taxi crane.” It features a 62-metre telescopic boom, enabling lifting heights of up to 76 metres with extensions and a working radius of up to 64 metres.
One of its key advantages is its ability to travel with up to 16.9 tonnes of counterweight while remaining within axle load limits. This reduces the need for additional transport vehicles, improving cost efficiency and operational flexibility for crane hire companies.
Advancing safety in lifting operations
Safety remains a critical priority in the lifting industry, and LICCON3 introduces several innovations to enhance operational safety.
The system provides real-time load monitoring, advanced driver assistance features, and improved visualisation of critical data—helping operators make safer decisions and reduce the risk of accidents.
Integrated technologies such as VarioBase® further enhance stability by calculating permissible lifting capacities in real time, even in asymmetrical outrigger setups. This ensures safe operation in confined or complex environments.
Additional features, such as RemoteDrive, allow operators to control and position the crane from outside the cab, improving visibility and reducing risk on site.
Strong aftermarket support ensures reliability
Beyond the technology itself, reliable aftermarket support remains a decisive factor for crane operators. Access to spare parts, technical expertise, and service networks is essential in minimising downtime and protecting long-term investments.
Liebherr-Africa continues to play a key role in supporting customers with fast response times, skilled technicians, and dependable service delivery—ensuring maximum equipment uptime.
With Liebherr cranes known for their durability and long operational lifespan, strong support infrastructure further enhances their value proposition.
Setting new benchmarks for the region
The arrival of LICCON3 technology in South Africa signals a new era for the heavy lifting sector. By combining advanced digital control systems with robust engineering, these cranes are setting new standards for performance, safety, and efficiency.
As demand for complex lifting solutions continues to grow across infrastructure, mining, and industrial projects, innovations like LICCON3 are expected to play a central role in shaping the future of lifting operations in Africa.
