Liebherr introduces new compact mobile construction crane
Three-axle MK 73-3.1 designed for quick deployment in space-restricted construction sites with electric crane operation on variable power supply
Liebherr has introduced the new MK 73‑3.1 mobile crane, a compact three-axle model with a 6t maximum load capacity designed as a taxi crane for construction with one-man operation.
The manufacturer said that the new electrically operated model, the smallest in its mobile construction crane family, is ready for use in around 10 minutes and additional transport vehicles are not required in its set-up. It can be supplied with site power or powered by its integrated generator and shares the single-engine concept that is common in Liebherr’s mobile cranes, with an ECOmode feature for reliable travel and economical operation on site.
Liebherr added that while the MK 73-3.1 combines the features of its big brother, the MK 88-4.1, the new model’s total length of 13.80m, width of 2.75m and height of 4.0m makes it compact and, as a result, extremely easy to manoeuvre.
“To meet the typical demands of densely built-up inner city construction sites with projecting edges, this latest mobile construction crane has been designed with long reaches in mind. With a jib length of 38.5m, it offers a jib head load capacity of 2t with corresponding additional ballast. In a 45-degree luffed jib position, the crane reaches a lifting height of 51m and has a maximum lifting capacity of 2.8t up to 1.85t at the jib head. Engineers have placed strong emphasis on a design with a consistently high maximum load capacity in all luffed jib positions. Three possible luffed jib positions ensure flexible operation,” said a statement from Liebherr.
Like its big brothers, the MK 73-3.1 operates electrically on site, either via site power supply or its integrated electric generator. This ensures an extremely quiet and emission-free presence, which in turn is ideal for working at night and in noise-sensitive areas. Liebherr added that the small mobile construction crane is also designed for operation with 63 or 32 amps without restrictions on working speeds when using the lower amperage option.
“The single-engine concept already used by the mobile cranes of sister company Liebherr-Werk Ehingen GmbH, has been adopted for the MK 73-3.1. This concept makes operation even more economical: the electric generator on the MK 73-3.1 mobile construction crane is only operated by the travel motor in the undercarriage. The ECO mode also comes into play here,” said the manufacturer’s statement.
The crane operator is supported by several assistance systems, such as an infinitely adjustable lift cabin and modern camera systems that keep both load and undercarriage always in view. Systems such as the Micromove fine positioning mode ensure precise load handling while five steering programmes with active rear axle steering and half-sided support enable the crane to be used on particularly tight construction sites. Additional options, such as the Load Plus load curve and reinforced trolley travel gear, further increase performance, enabling up to 50% heavier loads to be lifted in a 45° luffed position.
