Operations Spotlight
Off-Highway Electrification
Liebherr Hybrid Power Concept, which enables operation with site power, is offered on the MK 140-5.1E mobile construction crane. The five-axle model has a 17,637-pound maximum lifting capacity. Additionally, the manufacturer offers the LTC 1050-3.1E. With an electric motor in addition to its conventional power unit, the 50-ton crane’ s movements can be powered using electricity from the site.
Reduced operating costs – Fuel costs continue to fluctuate significantly, mostly increasing. The fuel consumption and regular maintenance needed to operate ICE vehicles add up very quickly.
Improved operator comfort – Electric platforms won’ t generate the same amount of vibration as an ICE vehicle. The long-term exposure to vibration can contribute“ to a number of circulatory, bowel, respiratory, muscular, and back disorders.”
Quieter operation – The considerable noise generated by ICE vehicles impacts workers’ hearing and creates a safety hazard. Affecting the broader community as well, loud noise has been linked to“ sleep disturbance, learning, hypertension, and heart disease.”
Better productivity – The uptime improvements delivered by electric vehicles and equipment will keep operations running longer and more consistently. Fleet managers can ensure that vehicles and equipment allocated are fit for use.
The goal isn’ t simply to build an electric version of an existing machine; it’ s to build a machine customers see as the better choice for their application.
Building the Right System
OEMs must start from real-world duty cycle data or by developing a deep familiarity with the application’ s actual operating conditions. The next steps involve purpose-built engineering and collaborative integrations to optimize performance.
Crucially, performance optimization requires OEMs to think in terms of system integrations rather than individual components. The complete electrical system should be regarded holistically, with its various systems and components integrated with one another. For example, the battery, motor, controller, and charger should be selected and sized based on how they work together. Integrated systems also improve logistics and manufacturing capabilities when some components arrive integrated and ready for install.
Common development mistakes to avoid include designing around singular components, oversizing components, and setting unrealistic performance targets. In particular, singular components may prove incompatible and oversized components
become unnecessarily costly as manufacturing scales.
When OEMs collaborate with their suppliers early in the design process, those partners can provide their expertise to optimize performance, balance costs with acceptable trade-offs, and avoid common mistakes. Early collaboration also minimizes the risk of costly redesigns. The most successful OEMs think beyond launch, selecting partners and technologies that can support the product throughout its lifecycle, reducing risk as the market continues to evolve.
Where the Industry is Headed
While electrification continues to move forward, the maturing industry is becoming more deliberate and purposeful with solutions. Rather than asking,“ Can we electrify?” or,“ How quickly can we electrify?”, market-leading OEMs and customers that maximize ROI now ask,“ Where does electrification create the most value?”
For OEMs, that answer always starts with a thorough understanding of the application and putting planning before designing. Long-term success also relies on collaborating with experienced suppliers early in the process to further optimize vehicle systems and deliver measurable value to customers.
The OEMs that succeed won’ t necessarily be the first to electrify every machine; they’ ll be those that make the right electrification decisions for the right applications.
Benny Forsman is the business development director at ZAPI GROUP North America.
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September 2026 • www. cranehotline. com