Berlin’s Fröhlich Bau buys across the whole MK range — from the three-axle MK 73-3.1 to the MK 140-5.1
Berlin crane rental firm Fröhlich Bau Kran und Baustellenlogistik has ordered seven Liebherr mobile construction cranes covering every size class in the MK series, adding the compact three-axle MK 73-3.1 to its line-up for the first time.
Seven machines, four models
Fröhlich Bau Kran und Baustellenlogistik is adding three MK 73-3.1, two MK 88-4.1, one MK 140 and one MK 140-5.1 to its fleet — an order that takes in the full spread of Liebherr’s mobile construction crane range. The company already operates ten MKs from Liebherr-Werk Biberach, including MK 88 and MK 140 units, and works mainly across Berlin and Brandenburg.
The MK sits deliberately between two crane types. It drives to site as a single unit with no separate transport, sets up quickly and manoeuvres like a mobile crane, but offers the characteristics of a tower crane once erected: capacity at long radius, fast and responsive drives, a cab with a view down onto the load, and assistance systems. Typical work runs from renovation and façade jobs to installing windows and air-conditioning plant.
Why the small one matters
Berlin’s building stock — tall, with projecting eaves and cornices — rewards a crane that can stand close in. MKs unfold directly alongside a building, take little ground space and allow freely adjustable outrigger positions, which keeps disruption to traffic down.
“We made a conscious decision to include the smaller MK 73-3.1 in our portfolio alongside the MK 88-4.1 and the MK 140-5.1. The three-axle crane is perfect for urban challenges and can take on jobs where the two larger mobile construction cranes wouldn’t be suitable in terms of space. And the MK 73-3.1 offers a bit more flexibility than larger machines, as it can get to site quickly with simple permits and without the need for an accompanying vehicle.”
— Rainer Fröhlich, managing director, Fröhlich Bau Kran und Baustellenlogistik
Compact dimensions, long jib
The MK 73-3.1 measures 13.80 m long, 2.75 m wide and four metres high, yet carries a 38.5 m jib and lifts up to 2,000 kg at the jib head, with a maximum capacity of six tonnes. Its Trolley Plus function allows luffed positions of 15, 30 and 45 degrees, giving a hook height of up to 51 metres with 1,850 kg still available at the jib head. No escort vehicle is needed for transport.
Hybrid power and HVO
All three current models share the hybrid power concept: emission-free work on site when connected to the grid, or self-sufficient running on an on-board diesel generator. The generators can be fuelled with HVO. The MK 88-4.1 lifts eight tonnes maximum, reaches 45 metres and holds 2,200 kg at the jib head; the MK 140-5.1 also lifts eight tonnes but reaches 65 metres with 1,900 kg at the head, and is the only crane in the series with the VarioJib function, which switches it between trolley mode for handling capacity and luffing mode for extra reach.
Source: Liebherr — Photos: Liebherr
The order in numbers
- Total: 7 mobile construction cranes
- Models: 3 × MK 73-3.1, 2 × MK 88-4.1, 1 × MK 140, 1 × MK 140-5.1
- MK 73-3.1: 6 t max, 38.5 m jib, 51 m hook height luffed, 13.80 × 2.75 × 4.00 m
- MK 88-4.1: 8 t max, 45 m radius, 2,200 kg at jib head
- MK 140-5.1: 8 t max, 65 m radius, 1,900 kg at jib head, VarioJib
- Power: hybrid — mains electric or diesel generator, HVO-capable
- Buyer: Fröhlich Bau Kran und Baustellenlogistik, Berlin and Leipzig