Scottish lifting and plant hire company Hugh Simpson Contractors has taken delivery of a Liebherr LTM 1400-6.1, the first crane of its type to enter service in Scotland.
The six-axle all-terrain crane was ordered at Bauma 2025 and will be used primarily to unload wind turbine components from vessels, where its compact dimensions and lifting capacity are suited to working in restricted quayside spaces.
The LTM 1400-6.1 has a 70-metre telescopic boom and is the smallest crane in Liebherr’s range to feature its Y-Guying system, which increases lifting capacity and lateral stability. Hugh Simpson has also specified an 80.5-metre luffing jib, giving a maximum hoist height of 120 metres and a working radius of 97 metres.
The crane can travel under UK Special Types General Order (STGO) regulations with axle loads of 16.5 tonnes, carrying its hook block, 10 tonnes of ballast and the Y-Guying system.
Liebherr has designed the system for rapid setup. A single self-assembly lift positions the guying system onto the chassis, where it is pinned in place. As the boom is lowered between the two Y-frames, the hydraulic quick coupling closes automatically, with a final movement completing the electrical connection.
The crane also features Liebherr’s VarioBase variable outrigger system. Support positions can be pinned at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%, while the sliding beams can be extended freely between 0% and 50% — a capability previously available only on mobile cranes with up to five axles.
David Simpson, operations director at Hugh Simpson Contractors, said the company recognised the potential of the crane when Liebherr announced its launch.
“A lot of our work is focused on the unloading of wind turbine components from vessels, so having a compact crane with incredible duties is a massive benefit for quayside work where space is often restricted,” he said.
The LTM 1400-6.1 also shares interchangeable ballast with Hugh Simpson’s Liebherr LTM 1650-8.1, providing additional flexibility for the company’s lifting operations.
