Tadano ATF 100 G-4 Lifts Bull Head for German Festival

Wacken is more than just a festival. Once a year, the small village in the north of Germany becomes a gathering place for heavy metal fans from around the globe and transforms into a massive stage for some of the scene's biggest bands.

To ensure everything is ready on time, setup and assembly operations go into full swing well before the first fans arrive. Stages are erected, platforms assembled, technical equipment installed and countless components hoisted into place. Right in the thick of it is the Wilhelm crane rental company from St. Michaelisdonn with its fleet — including a Tadano ATF 100 G-4.

The Bullhead

One of the most spectacular tasks each year is hoisting the Bullhead. Weighing around 2.5 t. this steel skull is the world-famous landmark of Wacken Open Air, towering over the main stages during the festival. The sight of it has become just as much a part of Wacken as the music itself. In 2026, the crane rental company Wilhelm took on the prestigious task of returning the Bullhead to its position. For this operation, the team relied on a Tadano ATF 100 G-4 and a Tadano HK 50 for additional assembly work.

Precision Work

For Wilhelm, however, the job doesn't start only when the Bullhead is on the hook. The Tadano ATF 100 G-4 was already in use during the assembly of the structure to which the skull would later be attached. On the festival grounds, materials and components must be positioned with great precision in tight spaces.

"The major challenge when building a stage is the logistics, because it is very difficult to be in the right place at the right time with the right materials," said Markus Olma, the event organizer's head of stage construction.

Things get particularly demanding with the Bullhead itself. Crane operator Marco Levin must maneuver the 2.5-t skull in a controlled and precise manner toward the assembly crew, who are working at a height of around 28 m. on catwalks just 60 cm. wide.

Levin precisely positioned his ATF 100 G-4, with its main boom extended to 36.9 m. and carrying its full 26.5-t. counterweight. First, he lifted the skull, then the two horns, safely hoisting them up so the stage builders could mount them.

"Marco [Levin] handled the skull lift masterfully today. I have to say: hats off to him," said Olma. "He is truly a superb crane operator."

Proven Technology

For the ATF 100 G-4, however, the job in Wacken was not an unusual outing. The crane has been part of Wilhelm's fleet for years and is regularly used for a wide variety of lifting tasks. Especially during a stage assembly process spanning several weeks and involving numerous individual steps, what matters most is reliable technology that works exactly when it is needed.

"The crane operates without a hitch, summer or winter—we've never had any trouble with our ATF 100," said Levin.

A Well-Oiled Partnership

"We run almost exclusively Tadano cranes in our fleet — not only because of the high quality and immense performance capabilities of these machines, but also because of the excellent Tadano service we have happily relied on for many years," said Jasmin Wilhelm.

It is the combination of reliable technology, experienced crane operators and dependable service that makes the difference, even when tackling unusual tasks. Setting up for Wacken requires many elements to work together perfectly — and sometimes, a narrow window of time determines whether a lift can go ahead.

For the stage builders, the "Bullhead" lift is just a small part of a massive setup operation. For Wacken, it is a moment that is an integral part of the festival itself. And for Marco Levin and his Tadano ATF 100 G-4, the task was once again to ensure that the famous bull got its horns back on time.