MK 88 new from Liebherr

New from Liebherr is the MK 88 mobile folding construction crane. It succeeds the MK 80, of which almost 150 were sold, according to the manufacturer.

The new MK 88 sets new size, equipment and performance standards in the four-axle category, Liebherr said. It has the same transport dimensions as its predecessor but it has a larger superstructure. It means that maximum hook height in the 45 degree jib position is increased to more than 57 m and maximum working radius increases to more than 44 m.

Target applications include town centre job sites where space between buildings is limited. This type of crane is often used as a taxi crane where a series of customers need short-term load lifting capacity in restricted spaces.

The two-section telescopic lattice tower is a new design giving the three section 44 m jib two standard hook heights of 17.5 m and 30 m. Versatility is enhanced by the availability of three steep-angle jib settings of 15, 30 and 45 degrees.

The four-axle carrier is new for the MK 88. Ride quality and safety are enhanced by variable-action steering with active rear-axle steering and the air-operated disc brakes. Five travel programmes can be selected for the steering at the touch of a button: ‘Road', Minimum turning circle', ‘Diagonal travel', ‘Reduced swing-out' and ‘Independent rear-axle steering'. All four axles have speed-dependent active steering for extra safety and better manoeuvrability. The active rear axle steering and large (14.00) tyres, help to reduce tyre wear, the manufacturer said.

A 300 kW Liebherr diesel powers the MK 88 for road travel driving through a 12 speed ZF AS-Tronic automated manual gearbox. The electric power supply for crane erecting and operation can be taken either from the 48 kVA generator on the superstructure or by connecting to site power.