Liebherr Wins Two ESTA Awards 2026 for Safety and Training Innovation

Liebherr has won two honours at the 2026 ESTA Awards of Excellence, announced on 16 April in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The company was recognised in the ‘Safety’ category for improving safety in the assembly of the Y-guying telescopic boom suspension on its LTM 1400-6 mobile crane. Liebherr also received the ‘Training’ award for its ‘Game of Cranes’ initiative, a global competition designed to help mobile crane operators enhance their skills.

Organised by the European Association for the Abnormal Road Transport and Mobile Crane Rental Industry, the ESTA Awards of Excellence are among the most prominent recognitions in the abnormal transport, crane rental and heavy lifting industry. Each year, more than 50 entries from across Europe compete across ten categories.

Christoph Kleiner, Managing Director of Sales at Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH, accepted the award in the “Safety” category: “It’s fantastic to be recognised once again in the safety category. When it comes to crane development, safety is our top priority. The aim is to prevent accidents, not only during crane operations but also during set-up.”

The award in the “Training” category was accepted by Commercial Managing Director Daniel Pitzer on behalf of Liebherr in Ehingen: “The profession of crane operator requires a high level of technical understanding, skill and a sense of responsibility. With the ‘Game of Cranes’ competition, we aim not only to recognise the skills of crane operators, but also to raise the profile of the profession.”

Safe assembly of the Y-guying telescopic boom suspension on the LTM 1400-6 mobile crane.

Liebherr has designed the Y-type guying telescopic boom suspension of the Liebherr LTM 1400-6.1 mobile crane in such a way that safety during crane assembly is significantly increased. The reduction in the number of assembly steps means less ‘work at height’. Safety for the operating personnel is also ensured by the simplified assembly process, a modern technical solution for connecting the hydraulics via the automatic Liebherr coupling system LIKUFIX, as well as safe access routes and platforms.

Game of Cranes – international talent development for mobile crane operators

With “Game of Cranes”, Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH has launched an innovative, international competition that motivates mobile crane operators worldwide to develop their skills and measure themselves against the best in the industry. The project is not a traditional training programme – yet it combines practical and theoretical challenges, nurtures talent and places a clear emphasis on safety and professionalism. “Game of Cranes” raises public awareness and enhances the appeal of the profession. In this way, the competition addresses the growing demand for qualified crane operators and sets new standards in talent development.