First of a new model crane shows what it can do

Its first job was to install temporary roofing panels weighing up to 2.5 tonnes at a radius of 45 metres. Photo: Liebherr

The first unit of a new model mobile folding construction crane showed off its best features when put straight to work as soon as it was delivered.

Following its handover to Zaugg AG Rohrbach in Switzerland, the brand new Liebherr MK 120-5.1E was immediately deployed installing sections of temporary roofing in the historic old town area of Bern.

It was the perfect environment to show off this type of crane’s primary benefits. The folding crane has a 400 kW diesel engine for road travel, accessing the urban site via its narrow streets. Once in position and operating on electricity, the crane could quietly erect itself in the limited space available and make the required up-and-over lifts to the building’s roof.

Zaugg’s MK 120-5.1E is the first unit of this new model, announced in September 2024, to be delivered by manufacturer Liebherr. Photo: Liebherr

“We are using our MK 120-5.1E here for the first time today. The crane is ideal for this work and provides us with the required performance parameters,” said Stefan Stettler, head of the Zaugg crane department.

As one of the larger models in the range the crane is on a five axle carrier but managed to get close enough, in a pedestrianised area, to install the 20 metre-long, 2.5 tonne, temporary roofing panels at a height of 20 metres and a radius of 45 metres.

Being able to set the crane up with its outriggers asymmetrically extended, halfway on the far side, maintained pedestrian access past the crane in the street.

Early start

Accessing the site was made easier, Stettler said, by the all-wheel steering which “allows us to manoeuvre easily in the narrow alleyways.” Using reverse gear, the crane made its approach via the historic Rathausgasse, past the shopping arcades of the old town.

Electricity for crane operation can be from a 63 Amp grid connection, site generator, battery energy storage system (BESS) or a combination thereof. For fully autonomous mobile electric operation an onboard battery option is also available.

For this job a mobile Liebherr Liduro Power Port LPO 100 trailer mounted BESS was available on site. A fully charged LPO 100 is sufficient to power the crane for two days.

“The low-noise and emission-free crane work is naturally pleasant for residents, tourists and passers-by,” Stettler commented.

Second crane onboard

The small onboard auxiliary crane laid out the load distribution plates for all four outriggers. Photo: Liebherr

Another feature useful on this job was the MK 120-5.1E’s auxiliary crane which laid out the load distribution plates. It is mounted on the end of the telescopic tower and can be operated via a remote control.

“The auxiliary crane for laying out the load distribution plates is of course absolutely brilliant. This means that the work is done in just a few minutes,” said Christian Geissmann, Zaugg project manager for crane logistics and member of the management team.

Other Liebherrs in the Zaugg fleet include an MK 140-5.1E and two MK 88-4.1Es. The new addition fills a gap in the range between the two. Founded in 1936 the company specialises in constructing large halls. It offers steel and timber construction, carpentry, tinsmithing and heavy haulage. With its subsidiary Zaugg Timber Solutions, it has worked in the North American market since 2022.

Even on the narrow street the setup retained pedestrian access on one side. Photo: Liebherr