Liebherr shows upgraded MK 140-5.1 mobile construction crane at Intermat

One crane, two working modes

The MK 140-5.1 shown at the Paris construction machinery fair is the largest machine in Liebherr’s MK series of mobile construction cranes. It lifts up to 8,000 kilograms and works as a conventional trolley jib crane, but the VarioJib concept also allows luffing operation with a reach of up to 65 metres. That combination is what puts it on jobs such as fitting air-conditioning plant, balconies and windows, and supporting turnaround work at chemical plants and refineries.

“Thanks to its compact size and minimal space requirements in terms of assembly, operation and dismantling, the MK 140-5.1 is perfect for use in urban areas. Through the integration of Trolley-Plus, it has been possible to achieve a load capacity increase of up to 50 percent in luffed position, which makes the crane even more flexible.”

— Daniel Nötzel, Product Manager, Liebherr-Werk Biberach GmbH

Liebherr also states that the update brings the crane into line with future normative requirements, and that operation remains consistent across the MK range – a practical consideration for fleets running more than one size.

Mains power, battery or HVO

The hybrid power concept allows the crane to run entirely on electricity from a site supply or another external source. For night work in built-up areas that is chiefly a noise argument. The MK cranes also work with Liebherr’s Liduro Power Port, a mobile energy storage unit that can supply or charge hybrid and electric machines on site with no local emissions. Where no external supply is available, a diesel generator keeps the crane self-sufficient.

Both the superstructure and undercarriage drives can run on HVO – hydrotreated vegetable oil, produced preferentially from waste feedstocks. Liebherr has been shipping mobile construction cranes filled with HVO from its production sites since January 2022.

One person, no support vehicles

The commercial case for the MK series – which also includes the MK 73-3.1 and MK 88-4.1 – rests on set-up time. The cranes are ready to work within minutes and need one person for transport, assembly and operation, with no additional transport vehicles. That makes several jobs in different locations on the same day realistic. The vertical tower lets the crane stand directly against a building, so it takes little space while still reaching substantial radii.