Liebherr MK 88-4.2E targets global road permits with lighter axle loads

The mobile construction crane concept was born in Europe, but Liebherr says MK operators on every continent now value the same strengths: several jobsites a day without heavy logistics, rigging in tight spaces, long reach over obstacles and the option of running on site electricity. The new four-axle MK 88-4.2E, presented under the slogan “Built for global roads”, is designed to bring those strengths to markets where road rules have so far held the type back.

Three axle-load modes

Alongside the familiar 12-tonne and 10-tonne axle-load configurations, the crane can now travel on public roads with axle loads under 9.2 tonnes and a gross vehicle weight below 36.3 tonnes, which should simplify approvals in countries with stricter heavy-vehicle limits. Wider 445/75 R22.5 tyres on aluminium rims open up further markets such as Australia, Denmark and the United States.

While the boom system is largely carried over from the MK 88-4.1E, Liebherr has redesigned the chassis and counterweight to reach the lower axle loads. The counterweight is split into several removable sections and the outrigger beams can be taken off easily. An optional self-ballasting system, a first for the MK range, lets the crane fit its own counterweight in two or three lifts without an auxiliary crane, using ballast cylinders integrated into the chassis and monitored from the crane.

Electric set-up and operation

A new option allows the crane to be supported and ballasted electro-hydraulically on site, powered by mains electricity or an external battery pack, so these steps produce no local CO₂ emissions. A 16-ampere mains connection is now fitted as standard alongside the 32- and 63-ampere options, letting the crane work on low-capacity site supplies at reduced speeds. As on other MK models, the hybrid power concept supports fully electric, low-noise crane operation from site power or Liebherr’s Liduro Power Port energy storage unit, with a diesel generator as the self-sufficient fallback.

Proven lifting performance

Lifting capability is unchanged from the predecessor: a maximum capacity of eight tonnes and 2,200 kilograms at the 45-metre maximum boom radius, with the Load-Plus control system adding up to ten per cent capacity automatically. A turning circle of 11.88 metres and independent rear-axle steering keep the four-axle machine suited to inner-city sites as well as industrial projects.