New Technology
Ideal Crane Rental ordered one of each Liebherr MK model. The fleet is now used on a diverse range of projects from HVAC and roofing work to steel erection, solar installation and infrastructure upgrades. tional versatility and rapid deployment capabilities,” said Stephen L. Chasse, president of SL Chasse Steel.“ The key advantage is its ability to be positioned close to a building and operate in tight spaces where a standard mobile crane cannot.”
That capability is especially valuable for the company’ s work on four- to six-story timber-frame residential buildings using prefabricated panels where every inch of street space counts.
SL Chasse’ s MK 88-4.1 features a 99-foot standard hook height, 193-foot maximum hook height and a 4,850-pound capacity at a 147-foot radius. It’ s powered by Liebherr’ s hybrid system, allowing electric or diesel operation, and offers the same 30-minute setup advantage that’ s quickly redefining what’ s possible on urban sites.
Long History
Liebherr’ s history with mobile construction cranes dates back over half a century. The concept first emerged in 1961, when the company introduced fast-erecting cranes of the former KA series mounted on a truck chassis, a combination that laid the groundwork for today’ s MK line.
The current MK series now available in the United States includes the MK 73-3.1E, MK 88-4.1E, MK 120-5.1E and MK 140- 5.1E models. All are hybrid-powered and can operate silently when connected to site power, an increasingly important advantage for sustainable, low-impact construction in populated areas.
The MK cranes are purpose-built for urban environments, where narrow streets,
congested sites and strict noise limits challenge conventional lifting equipment. Because they can be positioned directly next to buildings, the need for lane or road closures is often eliminated.
Each model can be driven, set up and operated by a single person, improving fleet efficiency and reducing crew requirements. Once on-site, the crane’ s intelligent control system automatically recognizes its configuration, guiding the operator to safe working limits and minimizing setup errors.
Safety is at the forefront. Automated assembly and disassembly sequences, advanced camera systems and a height-adjustable operator cabin provide visibility and control. Even transport is simplified by multiple driving modes, a reversing camera and an expansive windshield.
For projects near hospitals, schools or residential areas, Liebherr’ s mobile construction cranes offer a quiet solution. Each crane can be plugged into an external power source, allowing full operation without running its diesel engine.
This near-silent operation is a major selling point for contractors performing nighttime work or projects with noise restrictions. Combined with zero on-site emissions when running on electricity, it aligns perfectly with the growing emphasis on sustainability in construction.
The MK series’ versatility extends across multiple sectors. From bridge and roof building to solar panel installations, prefabricated housing and plant maintenance these cranes provide a compact yet powerful lifting option. And because they can travel between jobsites quickly— fully road-legal and ready to operate within minutes— they perfectly fit the modern contractor’ s demand for flexibility and uptime.
Behind The Scenes
Liebherr USA offers a 24 / 7 service hotline for its mobile and crawler cranes, resolving more than 85 % of technical calls remotely without dispatching a technician. When on-site support is needed, dedicated MK technicians are available nationwide.
Liebherr also conducts hands-on training for customer technicians. Courses cover everything from the crane’ s control system to full erection and dismantling procedures. These programs ensure every operator and mechanic can keep Liebherr equipment performing safely and efficiently.
From E-Built’ s six-story rooftop paver job in Colorado to Ideal Crane’ s Midwest deployments and SL Chasse’ s urban steel projects in New England, Liebherr’ s MK cranes are proving their worth in vastly different environments. What unites these stories is the realization that self-erecting tower cranes represent a new category in the U. S. lifting market.
As Eric Watson summed up after a long day of precise lifts in Denver:“ It can go as high or as low as you need, and the operator has a clear line of sight to the crews. It’ s safe, it’ s easy and it gets the job done faster. Once you use one, you won’ t want to go back.”
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December 2025 • www. cranehotline. com