May 24, 2007 • This summer, Essex Crane Rental Corp., Buffalo Grove, Ill., will welcome a new crawler crane to its fleet, the Liebherr LR1300. The LR1300 330-ton crawler crane was recently unveiled at Bauma, and the market excitement of this crane has led to more than 90 units sold. Essex got its orders in early to ensure 2007 and 2008 deliveries.
Essex's 300-ton fleet, which currently consists of Manitowoc 2250s, has been successful, but the company said the LR1300 will add a new dimension to that weight class. The LR1300 will offer the same capabilities as the LR1200SX the company purchased in 2005, but at the higher weight class. The crane also ships decked to the car body, which is a significant transportation feature for the bare-rental market.
Essex also further expanded its fleet with the purchase of additional Liebherr LR1200SX units. Several factors lead to the decision to purchase additional units including high demand for 275-ton crawler cranes and the overwhelming market reception to current LR1200SX in the United States.
The heavy-duty LR1200SX was especially well received because the luffing jib delivers long reach, high capacity and precise load control. The crane also gives operators some added benefits. “I've run other rental rigs from Essex and they are always reliable, but this new Liebherr is a special treat,” said Jim Sullivan, crane operator for Vezers Precision Industrial Construction International, which rented it for a project. “The cab is really comfortable…a perfect fit even for a size XXXL. I especially like the control console and the crane's smooth response.”
With the near term additions, Essex's fleet of 275-ton cranes will have grown to more than 25 cranes.
Essex also recently purchased the Manitowoc 14000s crawler crane.
