The Big Lift: Bauma 2025

The roar of innovation is set to echo through Munich, Germany, as the crane industry gears up for Bauma 2025.

From April 7-13, one of the world’s largest trade fairs for lifting equipment will serve as a launchpad for groundbreaking technology, with manufacturers unveiling next-generation machines designed for a more sustainable, digital and customer-driven future.

Liebherr: Driving Innovation With Electric and Digital Strategies

Liebherr, a major player in the construction machinery sector, will present a wide array of exhibits at its large 14,000 square meter booth at the event.

A key highlight will be the launch of a new five-axle all-terrain crane featuring an electric drive for the upper section, powered by a battery pack. This move addresses the growing demand for zero-emission operation on local construction sites.

Pierre Bilgeri, divisional director for mobile and crawler cranes in the USA at Liebherr, emphasized the customer-driven philosophy behind their innovations.

“Our design philosophy is fully based on designing what the customers and the market need in order to operate more efficiently, more cost effectively and to [meet] customers' demands,” he said.

The company will also showcase its LICCON 3 operating system across a wider range of models and a new three-axle all-terrain crane designed for efficient transport, particularly in markets with complex routing approvals.

“In addition to the new crane control and the new design, other technical features that increase efficiency, comfort and safety are part of the LICCON 3,” said Bilgeri. 

With “sustainability” a buzzword these days and a definite trend, Liebherr has been proactive. All cranes leaving their factory are filled with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel, which significantly reduces CO2 emissions.

Tobias Ilg, head of marketing and communication for Liebherr’s mobile and crawler crane division, pointed out the immediate benefit for existing fleets: “You can switch today your existing fleet of mobile cranes immediately to HVO and you save for your whole fleet from today on 90% of CO2 emissions”.

To that end, for the first time, Liebherr is going to launch and release an all-terrain, five-axle crane with an electric drive, designed for its utilization at local zero emissions construction sites.

In addition, the MK120-5.1 E mobile construction crane with electric crane operations, connectable to shore power, will be on display. 

While autonomous driving for mobile cranes is not currently feasible due to their varied tasks and unpredictable environments, Liebherr is developing solutions to assist operators, including simulators for training and remote-controlled driving for operation in confined spaces.

The company is significantly investing in digital technologies. Bilgeri highlighted the performance telematics system, accessible through Liebherr Connect, which allows customers to monitor crane data, including fuel consumption and lifting operations which is currently starting the rollout.

“It helps in planning the jobs. It always helps to see if there is room or space for additional jobs or if … another crane could be sent, maybe a smaller one,” he explained.

The Crane Planner 2, a 3D lift planning tool, and the Crane Finder app, designed to quickly identify the most suitable crane for a specific task, will also be featured.

Manitowoc Focuses on Hybrid Power and Aftermarket Support

The Manitowoc Company will present a comprehensive range of cranes and customer support services across its Grove, Potain, National Crane and Manitowoc brands. A major highlight will be the unveiling of a Grove Plug-in Hybrid all-terrain crane, the GMK5150XLe, offering a more sustainable lifting option.

This crane features a battery pack providing approximately five hours of emissions-free lifting and can be charged from the grid or an integrated generator, even while driving or operating.

Potain will showcase several tower cranes, including the debut of the MR 309 luffing jib crane, which offers faster and easier assembly. The Hup M 28-22 A self-erecting tower crane, a fan favorite known for its compact transport dimensions, will also be featured. Additionally, the Igo M 24-19 self-erecting crane will make its premier as well, targeted at home construction and renovation projects.

Manitowoc will also dedicate a significant portion of its booth to aftermarket services. Highlights include the Potain CONNECT Assist 4G smartphone app, providing remote access to crane data for diagnostics and maintenance. 

“With our CONNECT Assist 4G app, technicians no longer have to climb up to the cab to retrieve machine data; they can also potentially save owners significant travel expenses by accessing all the data they need from many miles away,” said Manuel Calheiros, head of service contracts for Potain.

Potain will also present the new ProTECHtor technology, a remote-control system designed to enhance technician safety during maintenance. Grove will feature new boom and wire lubrication systems to extend service life, along with the Grove CONNECT telematics system.

Tadano: Global Expansion and Decarbonization Are Focus

Tadano will present its global product range for the first time at Bauma, including its new electric and hybrid cranes, aerial work platforms and a new lattice boom crawler crane.

“This expansion of the exhibition reflects both our growth strategy and the successful integration of our acquired brands into the entire Tadano portfolio,” stated Toshiaki Ujiie, president and CEO of Tadano Ltd.

A key product launch will be the Tadano AC 5.250L-2 all-terrain crane, an enhanced version of a versatile model.

Under the motto "Our True Mission: Zero Emissions," Tadano has set ambitious goals for reducing CO2 emissions across its business activities and products to drive decarbonization. 

The company will showcase its digital services, including the Tadano Pro app, a central platform for accessing crane information, and the EVOLT app for electric vehicle charging solutions.

Other Exhibitors Emphasize Sustainability and Tech

• Böcker will present a variety of drive concepts for cranes and lifts, including combustion, hybrid and fully electric models with rechargeable batteries.
• DIECI will showcase its latest telehandlers designed to streamline construction and mining operations, with a focus on simplifying processes for operators.
• PALFINGER will premiere its PK 880 TEC loader crane and updates to its FL range of truck-mounted forklifts. They will also emphasize their full package of services and digital solutions.
• Bigfoot will display its composite outrigger pads and cribbing, emphasizing strength, stability and safety.
• Lube-A-Boom will promote its friction-reducing lubricants and DICA will showcase its engineered FiberMax crane pads designed for safer setup and lower costs.

Shaping the Future of Construction

As Bauma 2025 approaches, the crane industry stands at a pivotal moment, embracing sustainable solutions, digital transformation and advanced engineering. Manufacturers are unveiling technology aimed at improving efficiency, reducing environmental impact and meeting the evolving needs of contractors worldwide.

From hybrid and electric cranes to telematics and lift-planning software, innovation will take center stage in Munich, driving the industry forward. As global infrastructure demands grow, the equipment showcased at Bauma will play a key role in shaping the future of construction, one breakthrough at a time.