Optimised for global road permits: Liebherr unveils new mobile construction crane MK 88-4.2E

From Europe to the rest of the world - whilst the concept of the mobile construction crane originated in Europe, the advantages of Liebherr MK cranes are now appreciated by crane operators on every continent: multiple job sites per day without complex logistics, set-up in confined spaces, high performance with long reaches over obstacles and the ability to operate using on-site electricity.

Fast road permits all over the world

In many countries, the regulations governing heavy goods vehicles on public roads are stricter than in Europe. The new MK 88-4.2E mobile crane is therefore also designed for operation with an axle load of less than 9.2 tonnes and a total weight of under 36.3 tonnes. This may facilitate approval and road use in markets with corresponding weight limits. The 445/75 R22.5 tyres, which are wider than those on the previous model, fitted to aluminium rims, open access to further markets such as Australia, Denmark and the USA.

Whilst the boom system has been largely carried over from the MK 88-4.1E, Liebherr has redesigned the crane chassis and counterweight to allow for lower axle loads: the counterweight is divided into several sections and is removable, and the outrigger beams can be removed easily.

Self-ballasting is available as an option: the counterweight can be fitted quickly and easily without an auxiliary crane. A robust system, monitored from the crane, supports safe and reliable operations. Depending on the distance to the ballast transport vehicle, the crane lifts the counterweight onto the chassis in two or three lifts. To enable the entire ballast to be fitted and removed, the ballast cylinders are integrated into the chassis. This solution is new for MK cranes.

A new option makes it possible to operate the crane electro-hydraulically whilst it is being supported and ballasted on site. Using on-site electricity or an external battery power pack, these steps are carried out locally without producing any CO₂ emissions.

In addition to the standard 32 and 63 Ampere options, a 16-Ampere mains connection is fitted as standard. The advantage is that the new MK 88-4.2E can also operate on mains power at construction sites with a low mains voltage, albeit at reduced speeds. Thanks to intelligent, flexible energy management combined with fully electric drives, the crane can adapt quickly to any given situation.

Tried-and-tested mobile construction crane technology

The new MK 88-4.2E has taken on tried-and-tested components and crane technology from its predecessor. It combines high maximum load capacities of up to eight tonnes with exceptional manoeuvrability. With a turning circle of just 11.88 metres and independent rear-axle steering, this four-axle vehicle is suitable for a wide range of applications, from inner-city construction sites to industrial projects. With its maximum boom radius of 45 metres, it can still lift 2,200 kilograms at its tip. The intelligent Load-Plus control system enables automatic lifting capacity increases of up to ten per cent.

Purely electric crane operation

The Liebherr MK cranes' hybrid power concept enables fully electric crane operation using either site power or another external power source. This means that the crane operates particularly quietly, which can be an advantage for construction sites that operate at night. The MK cranes are compatible with the Liduro Power Port (LPO) from Liebherr, the mobile energy storage system for supplying power to construction sites. If there is no external power source for the MK, an efficient diesel generator ensures self-sufficient operation.