Liebherr's groundbreaking MK series of mobile construction cranes have officially arrived in the United States, marking a significant milestone in the lifting and construction industry. These innovative cranes, which combine the height and reach of a tower crane with the maneuverability of a mobile crane, are capable of positioning themselves directly alongside buildings or infrastructure. Their rapid deployment and operational efficiency enable contractors to move seamlessly from site to site, revolutionizing the workflow and productivity of construction projects. The enthusiasm among early adopters is widespread, as they eagerly anticipate the transformative impact of Liebherr's advanced technology on the American construction landscape.
President of Ideal Crane Rental, Inc, Robert Kalhagen, ordered three MKs, one of each model, the moment the MK cranes became available for use customers. “Our family first saw the MK series in action at the Bauma trade fair in Munich over ten years ago, and we have been eager to utilize this type of crane in the United States ever since. We are proud and grateful that Ideal Crane will become the first provider of MK cranes in the US," Kalhagen stated.
Stephen L. Chasse, President of Chasse Steel in New Hampshire, echoes the sentiment: "There's nothing else like it in the industry. The MK is perfect for mid-rise building projects where the crane needs to be set up close to the building for space reasons," Chasse remarked.
Ideal Crane Rental, Inc., a family-run business based in Madison, Wisconsin, values the remarkable versatility of the MK cranes. With a smaller footprint, rapid setup times, and numerous operator assistance features, the MK cranes are transformative for their business.
“Tasks that previously required a larger crane with multiple counterweights and jib extensions can now be managed with a crane that carries its own counterweights and can be set up in a fraction of the time. The MK 140-5.1, our larget MK crane, has a reach of more than 200 feet, a hook height of up to 309 feet and is fully operational in less than 30 minutes,” explains Kalhagen of Ideal Crane Rental, Inc.
Ideal Crane Rental is preparing to deploy its new fleet of MK cranes across the Midwest supporting a wide spectrum of projects including HVAC installations, roofing projects, steel construction, solar panel installations and other diverse infrastructure tasks.
“We are proud to lead with this technology. As our family transitions to the next generation of leadership, we look forward to shaping the future with Liebherr’s mobile construction cranes,” Kalhagen adds. One of the first tasks for these cranes will be replacing a traditional mobile crane for roofing work, where the MK’s extensive radius and height-adjustable cabin will enhance safety and efficiency.
Founded in 1973, Ideal Crane Rental employs over 110 people across six locations and maintains a large fleet of Liebherr cranes, including over twenty K-series fast-erecting tower cranes, LTM mobile cranes (up to 500 t) and LTR and LR crawler cranes (up to 330 t), so Ideal Crane Rental is very familiar with both the fast-erecting and mobile crane models. “We have a long history with Liebherr and greatly value their reliable, high-quality products,” Kalhagen concludes.
SL Chasse Steel are also eagerly awaiting the arrival of their new MK 88-4.1 in Hudson, New Hampshire. "I selected the MK 88-4.1 for its exceptional versatility and rapid deployment capabilities. The key advantage of integrating an MK into our fleet is its ability to be positioned so close to a building and operate in tight spaces where a standard mobile crane cannot," says President Stephen L. Chasse.
The MK 88-4.1 will primarily serve construction sites in New Hampshire and Massachusetts with initial projects including construction support to a number of four to six-storey timber frame residential buildings. These buildings, utilizing prefabricated panels, are located in congested, urban areas where space is a premium and the MK’s strengths really shine.
SL Chasse Steel currently operates two Liebherr mobile cranes: an LTM 1110-5.1 and an LTM 1060-3.1. Company President, Stephen L. Chasse is thoroughly impressed with the quality of these cranes and the strong partnership with Liebherr. "That's what gave me the confidence to invest in the MK," Chasse explains. "It's a fantastic crane that the American market needs, and I applaud Liebherr for the effort it took to make it a reality here in the US."
Liebherr mobile construction cranes are exceptionally suited for North America's bustling cities, characterized by crowded centers, tall buildings, and heavy traffic. Capable of being positioned directly next to structures, the need for road or lane closures can often be completely avoided. Their capacity to operate in tight spaces is a major factor driving companies like Ideal Crane Rental, Inc. and SL Chasse Steel to invest in them.
In addition to their versatility, the MK cranes can be operated by a single person who can drive, set up and operate the crane without any other support assets. This not only increases operational efficiency but can also make the MK a very profitable crane within a fleet.
Liebherr mobile construction cranes are versatile and can be utilized across most American states. They come with the reliable Liebherr service, including access to skilled service technicians, local sales teams, and readily available spare parts, ensuring that support and maintenance are always within reach.
The MK cranes come packed with safety features. Crane assembly and disassembly are fully automated, and the crane’s intelligent operating system automatically recognises its configuration status allowing it to inform the operator of safe and efficient working limits.
Advanced camera systems provide the operator with a comprehensive view of the job site, facilitating load monitoring and slewing radius checks for potential hazards. The height-adjustable cabin ensures the operator has the best possible view of the load and the construction area. To ease road travel, the driver cabin has an expansive and unobstructed windshield, a reversing camera and multiple driving modes.
A significant advantage of the MK mobile construction cranes is their ability to operate almost silently on site by utilizing an external electricity connection. For projects where noise is a concern, these cranes can be plugged into a power supply and operated using site power or another external source. This feature is especially beneficial for nighttime construction and noise-sensitive environments such as residential areas or hospitals.
The current MK series of mobile construction cranes includes three models, including 3, 4 and 5-axle options, hook heights up to 309 feet, lifting radiuses over 200 feet and varying lifting capacities. Discover the full range and specific model details here: Liebherr Mobile Construction Cranes.
Product Marketing - Communication Specialist
Liebherr-Werk Biberach GmbH
Memminger Straße 120
88400 Biberach an der Riß
Germany
