Liebherr MK 100

The Liebherr MK 100 was introduced as a further development of Liebherr’s mobile construction crane concept, filling the gap between the MK 88 and the even higher-capacity MK 110. From the outset, it was designed to address projects demanding greater radius and hook height while maintaining fast setup times and road mobility. Mounted on a five-axle carrier, the MK 100 has a permissible total weight of approximately 60 tonnes, allowing it to be driven on public roads with appropriate ballast configuration in accordance with local regulations. The crane carrier is powered by a Liebherr D846 A7 six-cylinder in-line diesel engine delivering 370 kW (503 hp) at 1,900 rpm, meeting EU Directive 97/68/EC Stage III and EPA/CARB Tier 3 emission standards. Power is transmitted via a ZF 12-speed AS-TRONIC automated gearbox with integrated intarder, enabling a maximum travel speed of around 80 km/h and confident long-distance road travel.

The superstructure of the MK 100 features a telescopic tower combined with a five-section lattice jib available in two main configurations, offering maximum radii of 44 metres and 52 metres. In horizontal jib position, the crane achieves its maximum radius of 52 metres, where it can handle loads of approximately 1,600 kg, while at shorter radii it lifts up to its maximum capacity of 8,000 kg. By setting the jib at angles of 15°, 30°, or 45°, significantly greater hook heights can be achieved, with a maximum hook height of roughly 58 metres at steep jib angles. The crane’s maximum load moment is rated at 116 tonne-metres, placing it firmly in the heavy end of the mobile construction crane class. The jib’s assembly curve is notably narrow and high, allowing erection in confined spaces without the need for large rear clearances, a key advantage on dense inner-city sites.

All crane motions are electrically driven via frequency-controlled motors. The slewing gear provides stepless rotation with speeds up to approximately 0.8 rpm, ensuring smooth, precise operation and excellent control of suspended loads. Hoisting is handled by a frequency-controlled hoist with a maximum lifting speed of around 75 m/min, complemented by a precision positioning mode for delicate placement tasks. Trolley travel along the jib is also frequency-controlled, with speeds reaching about 70 m/min, enabling efficient material handling across the full working radius. Electronic wind load monitoring and automatic load sway damping are standard, enhancing safety and productivity under variable site conditions.

A defining feature of the MK 100 is its fully glazed elevating operator’s cab, designed as a lift cabin that can be raised or lowered along the tower to maintain optimal visibility of the load and working area at all times. The cab is climate controlled, ergonomically arranged, and integrated with Liebherr’s Electronic Monitoring System (EMS). Electrical power for crane operation is supplied by an onboard 48 kVA diesel generator located on the superstructure, with the option to connect to an external 400 V site power supply for quieter, emission-free operation when required.

The undercarriage is equipped with a four-point outrigger system, fully hydraulic in both horizontal and vertical movements, with automatic leveling and electronic inclination monitoring. All five axles are steered, with axles 1, 3, 4, and 5 driven, providing excellent maneuverability and traction. Hydropneumatic suspension with automatic leveling and hydraulic locking ensures stability both during travel and lifting operations. Thanks to its favorable center of gravity, the MK 100 can also be repositioned on site while erected, an important productivity advantage on large construction projects.

In summary, the Liebherr MK 100 stands out as a high-performance mobile construction crane offering long reach, substantial hook height, and refined load handling characteristics. It is particularly well suited for large residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects in urban environments where fast erection, minimal space requirements, and tower-crane-like precision are essential. The technical details and performance data presented are based on the manufacturer’s official technical documentation.