 Liebherr MK140 |
Forkliftaction News continues its analysis of the finalists in the 2018 International Forklift of the Year. This week, we look at the finalist in the Cranes and Lifting Appliances category. While there is only one finalist, judges needed to determine whether or not it is suitable for recognition.
Liebherr MK 140 The Liebherr MK 140 is a unique tower crane with two operating modes owing to the new VarioJib concept. The crane can be used in both trolley and luffing mode. In this way, the manufacturer offers unprecedented flexibility.
In trolley mode, the boom is infinitely adjustable so that the crane can move the load continuously within a radius of up to 65 m. The maximum hook height is 94.4 m. This makes the Liebherr MK 140 the largest of its kind.
Nevertheless, the crane is very compact - the turning radius of the ballast lies within the ram and the maximum ram pressure is 48 T.
The five-axle chassis is not new, yet it belongs to the top of the market segment. With a turning radius of only 11.51 m, the vehicle is very manoeuvrable. By comparison, the turning circle of a VW Golf is 11.1 m.
Five different driving modes (road control, all-wheel drive, scraper handlebars, reduced inclination and independent rear axle control) also make manoeuvring child's play, so that the MK 140 can be used quickly at almost any workstation.
The crane assembly is completely supervised and can be carried out by a single operator.
During assembly, the crane can be rotated 360 degrees. The MK 140 can be easily adjusted in combination with the various mounting curves. The safety aspect is never neglected. The crane operator can intervene at any time and change the speed and direction of assembly. Removal of the crane is not necessary for work lasting several days.
The operation and assembly of the crane is fully electric. Pollutant emissions are thus excluded, except for transport to and from the workplace.
The crane uses sensors to detect the required mode. The intelligent control system monitors the safety aspects of the crane configuration, such as span, ballasts, mounted boom heads and operating mode. The crane operator receives suggestions for the current configuration of the crane and must confirm it, which guarantees safe operation.
IFOY test verdict:
With the MK 140, Liebherr fulfills its pioneering role and offers added value in the market. As a mobile revolving tower crane, the crane reaches higher ranges than ever before. With two operating modes in one machine, the solution also offers a wider range of applications and significantly more flexibility. It offers fast availability combined with compact dimensions.