Liebherr LHM 400 vs LHM 500: Which Mobile Harbour Crane Fits Your Terminal?
The Liebherr LHM 400 and LHM 500 are two of the most widely traded mobile harbour cranes on the used market, and among the most sought-after pieces of port equipment a terminal can buy. Both are proven workhorses, but they serve different terminals and cargo profiles. This guide breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed buying decision.
LHM 400 — specifications
| Specification | LHM 400 |
|---|---|
| Maximum lifting capacity | 104 tonnes |
| Outreach | up to 48 m |
| Hook height | up to 57 m |
| Hoisting speed (max load) | approx. 60 m/min |
| Travel speed | 15 m/min on rail |
| Drive type | Diesel-electric or fully electric |
| Typical applications | Bulk, general cargo, containers (with spreader) |
LHM 500 — specifications
| Specification | LHM 500 |
|---|---|
| Maximum lifting capacity | 144 tonnes |
| Outreach | up to 54 m |
| Hook height | up to 66 m |
| Hoisting speed (max load) | approx. 45 m/min |
| Travel speed | 15 m/min on rail |
| Drive type | Diesel-electric or fully electric |
| Typical applications | Heavy lift, bulk, project cargo, containers |
LHM 400 vs LHM 500 — direct comparison
| LHM 400 | LHM 500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Max capacity | 104 t | 144 t |
| Outreach | 48 m | 54 m |
| Hook height | 57 m | 66 m |
| Best for | Multipurpose, bulk, smaller vessels | Heavy lift, large vessels, project cargo |
| Used price range | €800k – €2.5M | €1.5M – €4M+ |
| Parts availability | Very good — widely deployed | Good — large installed base across ports |
| Transport cost | Lower — smaller crane | Higher — heavier structure |
Which model fits your terminal?
Choose the LHM 400 if your terminal handles:
- General cargo and bulk shipments up to Panamax vessels
- Container handling alongside smaller vessel sizes
- Mixed cargo where flexibility matters more than raw capacity
- Budget is a factor — used LHM 400 units offer more choice at lower cost
Choose the LHM 500 if your terminal handles:
- Heavy lift cargo (project cargo, transformers, industrial equipment)
- Larger vessels requiring greater outreach
- High-cycle operations where lifting capacity is the primary constraint
Used market — what do they cost?
The used market for both models is active. Pricing depends on age, engine hours, condition and whether the crane includes attachments (grab, spreader).
| Model | Age | Indicative price range |
|---|---|---|
| LHM 400 | 15+ years, high hours | €800,000 – €1,200,000 |
| LHM 400 | 8–15 years, average hours | €1,200,000 – €2,000,000 |
| LHM 400 | Under 8 years, low hours | €2,000,000 – €2,500,000 |
| LHM 500 | 15+ years, high hours | €1,500,000 – €2,200,000 |
| LHM 500 | 8–15 years, average hours | €2,200,000 – €3,500,000 |
| LHM 500 | Under 8 years, low hours | €3,500,000 – €4,500,000+ |
Prices exclude transport and commissioning. Cranes sold with grab or spreader attachments command a premium.
What to check when buying used
- Engine hours and overhaul history — Liebherr recommends major overhaul at 25,000–30,000 engine hours
- Structural inspection report — boom, A-frame and slewing ring are high-wear items
- Control system version — older LICCON 1 systems are harder to support than LICCON 2
- Grab or spreader included? — these add significant value and save procurement time
- Certificate status — if crane has a valid classification certificate, it can be operational faster
Whichever model you choose, a Liebherr LHM is a long-term piece of port equipment, so weigh the used price against transport and commissioning before you commit. Browse used mobile harbour cranes on Portneeds, including Liebherr LHM units listed by verified sellers, and see our FAQ on used mobile harbour crane cost for current price drivers. Questions about a specific listing? Use the contact form on each ad to reach the seller directly.
