Liebherr’s MK 88-4.1 and LTC 1050-3.1 mobile cranes are designed for global markets. These machines were recently presented to the global trade media during the group’s 2023 press tour event, which was held on 6-7 November in Germany.
The MK 88-4.1 mobile construction crane is suitable for use in densely populated city centres, on night construction sites and in residential areas. The crane can be unfolded and positioned close to buildings and requires only minimal floor space.
With a lifting capacity of up to 2.2 t at a maximum radius of 45 m, the four-axle MK 88-4.1 offers high flexibility in a wide range of construction projects. The crane has the capacity to lift up to 8 t.
The MK 88-4.1 can be operated in electric mode using site electricity instead of its diesel engine, delivering zero emissions locally and a low noise level. According to Liebherr, using site power makes crane operation significantly more cost-efficient. Over a year, this results in only 10% of the operating costs associated with use of a diesel engine.
If there is insufficient or no on-site power available, Liebherr’s mobile battery-based energy storage system Liduro Power Port (LPO) is able to take over supply, so that hybrid or all-electric construction machines can be operated and charged locally with zero emissions. A diesel-powered generator is also available as an option.
The alternative fuel HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) can be used for the engine in its pure form or mixed with diesel to any required ratio. Liebherr said fuel for its machines comes from food industry waste, without using palm oil. By reducing exhaust gases, HVO helps to limit global greenhouse gas emissions. The fuel is fully compatible with all engine components.
Meanwhile, the 50-t Liebherr LTC 1050-3.1 mobile crane is also available with an electric motor (72 kW), in addition to its six-cylinder engine. Depending on the job conditions, either the engine or the electric motor can be selected in crane mode.
The electric motor reduces both air and noise emissions to a minimum, making the LTC 1050-3.1 suitable for use in noise-sensitive and zero-emission areas. The engine can be fuelled with HVO without restrictions, helping to reduce its CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared to fuelling it with diesel.
Liebherr revealed that only the electric motor and a distributor gear as well as the required control equipment need to be added to the existing LTC 1050-3.1 to transform it into an electric version. Such a simple solution enables the operator to switch flexibly between diesel-hydraulic power and electro-hydraulic power.
The electric motor uses the existing hydraulic pump, which is mounted on the powershift transmission. The distributor gear is located between the crane pump and the powershift transmission.
Site current at 125 A is required to achieve full performance, but the LTC 1050-3.1 also works well with a 63 A supply, said Liebherr. Alternatively, the crane can be operated using an external battery pack if the site does not have the appropriate electrical infrastructure.
Other features for the electric version of the LTC 1050-3.1 include a 36-m Telematik telescopic boom, RemoteDrive option for remote-controlled driving, and height-adjustable elevating cab.
*A quick overview of the 2023 Liebherr global press tour can be seen in this video below.
