IFOY Audit
Finalists undergo the three-stage IFOY Audit as part of the IFOY Audit, which takes place during the TEST CAMP INTRALOGISTICS. This consists of the scientific IFOY Innovation Check, the IFOY Test and the jury test.
MK 140 – size can be so compact.
Liebherr-Werk Biberach GmbH
The MK 140 mobile construction crane means that Liebherr can now supply a compact 5-axle model which provides massive load capacities and radii whilst being compact in size. With its VarioJib, the MK 140 combines trolley mode and luffing mode crane systems in a single crane model. The achievable hoisting heights of up to 94 m and radii up to 65 m underline its great flexibility and set new standards in the mobile construction crane segment.
Product name and company
MK 140 – size can be so compact. – Liebherr-Werk Biberach GmbH
Category
Kran und Hebetechnik
Description
With its new VarioJib, the MK 140 is the first crane to combine trolley mode and luffing mode crane systems in a single crane model. This crane symbiosis is unique and means that mobile construction crane operators can now use radii and hook heights which previously were the preserve of much larger machines and required an enormous amount of set-up work.
Trolley mode, which is used as standard on all MK models, has a radius of 58.5 m and a maximum load capacity of 1,900 kg at the jib head. This radius on “just” 5 axles is unique in the mobile construction crane segment.
The additional luffing mode enables the radius to be increased to 60 m by taking the hoist rope around the jib head in a single line. This enables the luffed jib position to be adjusted infinitely when loaded between -20° and +70°. The required radius is achieved by luffing the entire jib up and down. The adjustment in this mode has been designed in such a way that it can be carried out by just one person within 15 minutes. This produces a load capacity of 1,400 kg and a maximum hoisting height of approximately 90 m. The use of two jib extensions enables the radius to be increased up to 65 m and the hoisting height to 94 m. The load capacities in these cases are 1,000 kg. Both extensions can also be fitted and removed by one person during the quick, easy adjustment process mentioned above. Luffing mode therefore gives the crane driver even more flexibility on site since he can adjust the crane quickly and easily and use different jib lengths. In this mode, for example, the crane can either slew over or under obstacles on the site without first having to put down the load.
Another new feature of the Liebherr MK 140 is its automatic set-up status recording system. The smart control system monitors the safety aspects of the crane configuration such as support width, ballasting, fitted jib heads and operating mode. The crane driver receives a suggestion about the current configuration of the crane on the display and must then confirm it. Incorrect entries in the configuration are therefore impossible which ensures greater safety on site.
Innovations
Despite reducing the overall transport length from 16.65 m to 15.97 m compared to its predecessor, the maximum radius in standard trolley mode has been increased by 6.5 m and the maximum hook height with a horizontal jib has been increased by 7 m.
VarioJib – for two different Operation modes
Trolley mode for maximum handling operation with a radius of 58.5 m and tip loads up to 1,900 kg
Luffing mode for special operations e.g. for slewing over obstacles with radius up to 65 m and hook heights up to 94 m
Automatic set-up status registration for avoiding incorrect entries in the configuration which supports the crane Driver and ensures greater safety on site.
Market relevance
Relevance for the market: VarioJib and automatic set-up status are completely new in the market
Branches: Mobile crane rental companies, Construction
Potential market: Relevant mobile crane markets / appr. 30 pieces per year
Customer benefits
In urban areas, in particular, in other words the typical areas in which mobile construction cranes are used, compact transport dimensions and a high level of flexibility are always an advantage. The new MK 140 combines these features and delivers additional innovative ideas which set new standards in the mobile construction crane segment.
Test report
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 meters. The maximum hook height is not less than 94.4 meters. 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 tons.
The 5-axle chassis is not new, yet it belongs to the top of the market segment. With a turning radius of only 11.51 meters, the vehicle is very maneuverable. For 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 maneuvring 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 only one person.
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. Fast availability combined with compact dimensions.
IFOY Innovation Check
Market Relevance
Mobile revolving tower cranes have been closing the gap between a stationary revolving tower crane and a mobile crane for about 20 years. They combine the low space requirement and the easily accessible working area of the tower crane with the mobility and rapid availability of the classic mobile crane with a telescopic boom. The large boom width of >50 m opens up access across buildings. At the same time, they are enfolded along the height of the building. The payload range of 1.5 t is fully sufficient for many tasks.
Customer Benefit
Different user groups benefit from the existence of mobile tower cranes. Construction site operators find a solution for sporadic lifting and transport tasks on the construction site. Moreover, you do not need your own crane personnel and you can reduce the rental costs to only a few days. Because of the trolley operation, the transport speeds are considerably higher than with the telescopic crane. Due to the cylindrical working area, the available working areas can be put to better use and new access possibilities (e.g. limited height) open up.
The customer benefits for crane service providers initially result from the considerably lower vehicle weight, combined with a lower number of axles. The additional weight, which can be moved separately, allows for an equivalent load capacity of significantly heavier cranes. This means that considerably fewer administrative tasks have to be carried out within the framework of licensing issues. The overall route planning is easier.
Degree of Novelty
For the first time, the MK140 is equipped with a combination of trolley boom and luffing arm. In this way, various tasks can be better fulfilled as required. It has a much higher lifting height than comparable mobile tower cranes. This extremely innovative solution thus enables a considerably increased flexibility. An extensive sensory evaluation of all load and conversion conditions permanently monitors erection and dismantling as well as the safe operation of the crane.
Functionality / Type of Implementation
The implementation can be considered exemplary in every respect. Only one person is required for assembly and dismantling. In-house measurements show a duration of less than 20 minutes for the crane construction. The respective conversions (increase in counterweight and conversion to luffing jib) also last less than 20 minutes.
| Functionality / type of implementation | ++ |
| Novelty / Innovation | ++ |
| Customer benefits | ++ |
| Market relevance | + |
| ++ very good / + good / Ø balanced / – less / — not available | |
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Image/video credits: Liebherr-Werk Biberach GmbH
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Committees
The International Intralogistics and Forklift Truck of the Year has three bodies: Jury, sponsors, and advisory board.