First Liebherr LTM 1150-5.3 in Chile

Ehingen (Donau) (Germany), June 16, 2023 - After a month-long sea voyage, the Liebherr LTM 1150-5.3 mobile crane arrived at its new owner Grupo Vivargo S.A.C. in Chile in April. The 5-axle crane is the first of this type in Chile. Its main applications at Vivargo will be in the mining and energy sectors. "According to our market analysis, the LTM 1150-5.3 is exactly the type of crane our fleet needs due to its features and technology. Boom length, lifting capacity, and VarioBase® were key factors in the purchase decision," explains Andres Varas, who runs the company together with his brother Christopher. Father Victor Varas, president of Grupo Vivargo, adds, "We decided to buy the LTM 1150-5.3 because the crane meets all our expectations in terms of quality, safety, technology and service."

Economical all-terrain crane with long boom.

"The LTM 1150-5.3 is a great fit for our fleet. We also considered buying a larger crane, but this crane is versatile and very economical to use," says a pleased Cristopher Varas. The key to these features is the single-engine strategy with mechanical drive of the uppercarriage. By using this innovative technology, the weight of the uppercarriage motor can be saved and used instead for a longer boom and more lifting capacity. With its 66-meter telescopic boom, the majority of crane jobs eliminate the need for additional equipment. To extend the boom even further if needed, Vivargo has purchased a double folding jib to complement the LTM 1150-5.3. This, like other jibs on the 150-tonner, is compatible with many Liebherr cranes between 100 and 180 tons capacity.

Another indicator of the LTM 1150-5.3's high cost-effectiveness is that it can carry nine tons of ballast on public roads with an axle load of twelve tons. This eliminates the need for an additional ballast vehicle on many jobs, and the crane can be deployed immediately on the construction site. This results in time and cost savings and also protects the environment.

Liebherr service has important status

"Service and support are important to us. We need to feel that we have a reliable crane partner for our business," says Cristopher Varas, explaining the decision in favour of Liebherr.

The family-owned company Grupo Vivargo S.A.C., which has been in existence for 74 years, was founded in Peru and is now run by the third generation. It has been in the crane business for more than 50 years and has earned a reputation as a professional crane rental company. Of particular importance to Vivargo are long-term relationships with its customers and suppliers, holistic service and the highest safety standards. The fleet includes lattice cranes, telescopic cranes, aerial work platforms and telescopic loaders. Approximately 400 employees work at the three locations on the west coast of South America in Peru, Ecuador and Chile. The Chilean company's projects focus on mining, energy and infrastructure.