In Germany the Essen Fire Department has acquired a new all-terrain crane, the Tadano AC 4.080-1, following a formal tender process. The acquisition is aimed at enhancing its operational capabilities across the city.
The selection was based on a requirement for equipment that could address a wide variety of emergency scenarios while also maintaining economical running costs.
The official handover of the vehicle took place at Tadano’s facility in Lauf an der Pegnitz, overseen by sales manager Helge Prüfer.
Essen, situated in the Ruhr region and home to around 600,000 residents, poses unique logistical challenges for its fire service.
Dense urban development, narrow streets, and weight-restricted infrastructure frequently complicate emergency responses.
These circumstances require vehicles that can operate flexibly and efficiently within restricted spaces.
The Tadano AC 4.080-1 was chosen as it met key criteria for adaptability and efficiency. Its design enables a balanced approach between operational performance and the modifications necessary for fire service requirements.
The crane will be used predominantly for complex rescue operations, such as extracting individuals from difficult-to-reach locations and transporting rescue baskets across rows of buildings. It will also provide support in technical assistance tasks where standard rescue cranes may fall short.
Additional uses include hazard mitigation cases involving trapped individuals or lifting heavy objects.
A significant feature of the AC 4.080-1 is its ability to travel with an axle load of 10t, which allows access to streets and bridges with strict weight limitations, reducing the need for alternative routes.
The crane’s compact width of 2.55m further aids its deployment in environments with limited manoeuvring space.
Equipment specifications include a 60m main boom, a 16m luffing extension, and an asymmetrical outrigger system, which allows precise positioning even in confined residential areas.
Each outrigger can be adjusted individually, supporting effective use in densely developed city spaces.
Before entering active service, the crane will be fitted with additional fire-service equipment and marked with appropriate signage.
Operating personnel will undergo comprehensive training to ensure readiness for deployment in Essen’s varied urban landscape.
In July 2026, Gheysens, a Belgian crane service provider, completed a complex lifting operation in Bruges’ historic centre using a Tadano AC 7.450-1 all-terrain crane.
