Glowing report: MSG on its new MK Liebherr

MSG Krandienst’s new Liebherr MK 120-5-1E on site in Lenzkirch, Germany. Photo: Liebherr

MSG Krandienst in Germany was one of the first companies to take delivery of the new Liebherr MK 120-5.1E mobile folding construction crane.

Björn Jatz, MSG Krandienst managing director, said his company was primarily using the new crane for installation work, including air conditioning units, ventilation systems, roof insulation and steel construction.

“When the crane became available, we replaced our old MK 110 with it, which had served us reliably for many years. We were convinced by the MK crane concept very early on and already had the MK 63, the MK 80 and the MK 88 in our fleet.

“The MK 120-5.1E has been performing very well so far. We are absolutely delighted with the purchase,” said Jatz.

Series production of the new MK 120-5.1E started in late 2025. Photo: Liebherr

View from the cab

Kevin Meier is a crane operator at MSG. Sitting in the cab of the MK 120-5.1E he noted the improved level of comfort. Another feature he said he likes is the three-stage outrigger system. “It makes setting up the crane in confined spaces much easier and has already proved extremely helpful on several occasions,” said Meier.

His comments were made on a construction site in Lenzkirch, a town in the Black Forest, in the south west corner of Germany. Here, there is ample space to extend the outriggers, but it was a different story on other projects, he explained. “I’ve also worked on sites where the outriggers were extended asymmetrically. Up to three different extension lengths for the sliding booms are possible.”

Going back to the project in Lenzkirch, Meier raised the cab a few metres to get a better view of the roofing sheets he was lifting for the steel-frame building. From his vantage point he has a clear view of the load and of the roof fitters. “With full ballast and a reach of 52 metres, I can lift more than two tonnes with the crane,” he explained.

The MK 120-5.1E comes as standard with 4.8 tonnes of ballast and a three tonne ballast package can be added to improve performance. “The well-balanced counterweight concept, combined with the lifting capacity and reach, makes the MK 120-5.1E a superb crane,” said Jatz. “The features were a decisive factor in my decision to purchase it.”

MSG Krandienst “absolutely delighted” with new Liebherr crane. Photo: Liebherr