Weiland’s Next Generation Picks Tadano for the Future
In a significant moment for Germany’s crane industry, Weiland Kran & Transport GmbH has just taken delivery of two impressive additions to its fleet: the Tadano AC 6.300-1 and AC 4.100L-1. Yet, what sets this handover apart isn’t just the iron and engineering — it’s the unmistakable sign of a changing of the guard.
The AC 6.300-1 bears the label “Kathi’s #1,” a personal stamp honouring authorised signatory Katharina Degenhardt’s very first crane order. For Tadano, the symbolism wasn’t lost. “The fact that she chose our AC 6.300-1 is something that we’re tremendously happy about,” said Frank Brachtendorf, Tadano’s Head of Sales for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Embracing a New Era of Leadership
Katharina’s purchase marks more than just the expansion of Weiland’s capabilities. It signals her rise within the company’s leadership as both an authorised signatory and newly minted partner. This follows her brother Sebastian Degenhardt’s appointment as managing director in 2023, cementing a gradual generational handover. Together with Volker and Renate Degenhardt, the family-led firm is blending legacy with innovation.
Weiland’s investment in Tadano cranes is a clear sign that the company isn’t just coasting. It’s evolving — and fast. The company, founded in 1972 and headquartered in Lampertheim, now employs 40 people and has built a solid reputation in lifting, heavy haulage, and assembly logistics across the Rhein-Main-Neckar region. Their ever-growing state-of-the-art fleet ranges from compact 40-tonne units to specialised 500-tonne monsters.
Why the AC 6.300-1 Ticks All the Boxes
Let’s be honest, when someone makes their debut crane order, they usually tread cautiously. But Katharina made a confident and calculated decision.
“The crane is a remarkably well-engineered and reliable machine that delivers excellent lifting capacities in comparison to the competition, not to mention incredible versatility,” she explained.
And she’s got a point. The AC 6.300-1 can cruise public roads without busting the 12-tonne axle load limit, even while carrying its hook block and full carrier box. That alone slashes logistical hurdles. Plus, with partial counterweights, it still packs a punch on-site.
At the University Hospital Heidelberg, its very first job, the crane performed a 250-tonne configuration lift with aplomb. It lifted a five-tonne sculpture from over 40 metres away, nestled within a courtyard. That kind of precision and power? Not easily found.
The AC 6.300-1’s compact build — 17.32 metres long and three metres wide — paired with Tadano’s Surround View camera system, makes it tailor-made for confined workspaces. Industrial facilities and chemical plants, often tight and complex, are exactly where this crane thrives.
Familiar Systems, Seamless Operation
Another feather in Tadano’s cap is the IC-1 Plus control system. It’s standard across their fleet and well-known to Weiland’s operators. No new learning curve, no wasted time — just plug in and get lifting. That level of operational continuity has real-world value.
This makes the addition of the AC 4.100L-1 an equally logical move. With a 59.4-metre main boom and the ability to operate within the 12-tonne axle load limit, it’s among the most flexible cranes available. Even more impressive? It’s got the smallest overall width in its class — just 2.55 metres.
“Its compact dimensions make it perfect for jobs in indoor settings and in urban areas where tight space conditions prevail,” noted Sebastian Degenhardt, reaffirming the company’s preference for versatile machines with urban dexterity.
Expanding While Staying Grounded
As Weiland expands its truck-mounted crane services and seeks strategic synergies through partners like Multilift Transportsysteme GmbH & Co. KG, it maintains a foothold in tradition while stepping confidently into the future. The partnership with Multilift, part of a six-company global network, extends Weiland’s reach without diluting its core values.
That said, Weiland’s investment isn’t just about machinery. It’s about long-term strategy. By focusing on dependable technology from a partner like Tadano, they’re ensuring smoother operations, easier training, and stronger compliance — all key factors in a competitive market.
Tadano: Lifting More Than Just Loads
Tadano’s journey began in 1955 with Japan’s first hydraulic truck crane. Fast forward nearly seven decades, and the company has established itself as a global force in lifting and access equipment. Built on the philosophy of “Creation, Contribution, and Cooperation,” Tadano isn’t just about machines — it’s about making the industry more efficient, safer, and sustainable.
Tadano’s global support network ensures that operators can rely on their equipment anywhere in the world. Whether it’s in heavy construction, energy infrastructure, or industrial logistics, the brand is synonymous with reliability, performance, and eco-conscious innovation. The company’s commitment to safety and quality compliance (C+SQE) shines through in every product.
Setting the Scene for Future Growth
The dual handover of Tadano cranes to Weiland isn’t merely a business transaction — it’s a milestone. With the next generation of Degenhardts now at the helm, the company is well-positioned to scale new heights.
Their decision to stick with Tadano aligns with a broader commitment to efficiency, precision, and operational flexibility. And with cranes like the AC 6.300-1 and AC 4.100L-1 in the arsenal, Weiland is geared for tighter spaces, heavier loads, and smarter workflows.
In an industry where one misstep can cost thousands, Weiland is making all the right moves. And by blending fresh leadership with tried-and-tested partnerships, it looks like the view from the top is only getting better.
