Liebherr upgrades MK 88 mobile folding crane

The Liebherr MK 88-4.2E mobile folding construction crane offers axle loads of less than 9.2 tonnes for easier road travel around the world. Photo: Liebherr

Interest in the mobile folding construction crane concept is spreading beyond Europe, including into territories where road regulations are stricter than Europe.

As a taxi crane, moving between multiple jobs each day, the crane’s roadability is a crucial element. European regulations for heavy goods vehicles travelling on public roads typically demand a maximum axle load of 12 tonnes. Some countries outside Europe have a lower axle load load limit.

The new four axle MK 88-4.2E can operate with an axle load of less than 9.2 tonnes and a total weight below 36.3 tonnes. Its 445/75 R22.5 tyres (wider than the previous model) are on aluminium rims to save weight. They allow travel in Australia, Denmark and the USA.

The boom on the new 8 tonne capacity model is carried over from the preceding MK 88-4.1E version but the chassis and counterweight are redesigned to achieve lower axle load. The counterweight is now in several sections and can be removed as can the outrigger beams.

This type of crane is designed for easy set up and operation in minimal space while giving great up and over duties to long radii. Photo: Liebherr

Ballasting option

An optional feature is self ballasting counterweight, avoiding the need for an assist crane. To fit and remove the entire counterweight, its hydraulic cylinders are integrated into the chassis. This is a new feature on the MK crane series.

Another new option is to power the crane electrically for set up and ballasting, instead of running the diesel engine. An electric motor drives the hydraulic pumps. Power can be from the mains grid or an external battery via a cable.

As standard it can be from a 32 or 63 Amp supply and now a 16 Amp mains connection is also fitted. It allows the crane to be run electrically on sites with a low mains voltage, with reduced speed motions.

The 11.88 metre turning circle and independent rear-axle steering are designed to give good manoeuvrability, especially useful on tight urban job sites and in industrial applications.

Maximum lifting radius is 45 metres where it can lift 2,200 kg. Its Load-Plus control system allows capacity to be increased by up to 10 per cent.