Manfred Härzschel, founder of the Cloppenburg-based crane rental company that bears his name, recently fulfilled a childhood dream spanning over three decades. “For more than 30 years, I’ve wanted a powerful 220-tonne machine with five axles – and now I finally have one with the Tadano AC 5.220-1,” Härzschel shared.
Tadano Sales Manager Thorsten Dietzel delivered the crane in a celebratory handover to Manfred Härzschel, Managing Director Sylvia Fredeweß, and crane operators Andreas Füßmann and Maximilian Fredeweß in Lauf.
While the acquisition may have been inspired by a lifelong ambition, the decision to purchase the Tadano AC 5.220-1 was based on solid business considerations. The company had relied heavily on its ATF 130G-5 crane for larger projects, but its 130-tonne lifting capacity often necessitated tandem lifts for heavier loads.
“The AC 5.220-1 can handle these jobs single-handedly, making it a more cost-effective solution for our customers,” Härzschel explained. “With this crane, we’re ready to take on bigger projects while offering even better service.”
The AC 5.220-1’s standout features include its two-engine design, which Härzschel praised for its cost-effectiveness, and its impressive 68-meter main boom, making it ideal for assembling large cranes in challenging terrains. This capability opens new opportunities, particularly in the energy sector.
“The AC 5.220-1 positions us perfectly to meet the demands of our regular customers in wind farm projects and other energy-related industries,” added Sylvia Fredeweß, Härzschel’s Managing Director.
Despite its new flagship, Härzschel Crane Rental isn’t retiring its reliable ATF 130G-5, even after 15 years of service. Instead, the older crane will undergo a complete overhaul to extend its operational life for years to come.
The AC 5.220-1 made an impressive debut shortly after its handover, handling a series of demanding tasks in Cloppenburg. Its first project involved unloading and positioning a 50-tonne substation, followed by loading a 58-tonne tube bender and setting a concrete manhole.
“The AC 5.220-1 completed all these tasks with ease, just as we anticipated based on the glowing feedback from the market,” Härzschel said, expressing his satisfaction with the machine’s performance.
