Liebherr MK 88 - Manual (Page 6)

In Aktion
Kranmagazin KM Nr. 83 | 2012
Although, based on both
drivers’ experience the 45°
luffed position is seldom
used, compared to the MK 80
of course the MK 88 opens up
further areas of application
due to its much greater maxi-
mum hook height of 59.1 m
as opposed to 48.1m on the
MK 80.
For the dispatchers this
considerable increase in hook
height is an additional strong
marketing argument. But the
benefits for the crane driv-
ers are features such as MI-
CROMOVE and horizontal
load travel at the luffed jib
position – features that both
cranes have. Nevertheless,
Martin Hartmann finds the
sensor technology and con-
trols of the MK 88 slightly
more sensitive, but does ad-
mit that this could also be
due to age differences; after
all, MSG’s MK 80 is celebrat-
ing its tenth birthday.
Both drivers praise the MI-
CROMOVE function that is
activated by pressing a button
on the control lever. With this
function, the lowering speed
is reduced to a minimum
without the hoist gear brake
engaging. “This function is
especially useful for lifting
heavy loads into their ex-
act position, since when you
brake the load, there is always
a slight delay until the hook
comes to a complete stop,”
says Felix Bildstein, explain-
ing the advantages of this fea-
ture.
In practice, this eases the
workload of the crane driver
and also increases workplace
safety. Without this function,
if the crane driver does not
brake the load soon enough it
can hit the respective surface
with a hard thud. This is one
of the reasons why this fea-
ture is used often in practice.
Both drivers see benefits
in the new radio controls that
are available for the MK 88.
Here, too, the generation dif-
ference is obvious, as the
modern radio controls have
a data feedback display show-
ing all operating data in an
easy-to-read manner.
“Of course, it’s much easier
to work with the MK 88’s ra-
dio control system. If, for ex-
ample, a lot of parts have to
be removed from the same
position on a truck, you have
the advantage that the exact
radius is shown on the dis-
play or you can see clearly
where the trolley has to be
positioned. The display even
shows you how far you have
to let out the cable to pick up
the load, if you don’t have a
perfect view of the truck bed.
You can’t do that with the
MK 80, work such as that
can only be done if you have
a direct view of the working
area.”
In terms of practical fea-
tures, the main benefit for
Martin Hartmann is the air
conditioning system of the
MK 88. “Even in this weath-
er it can get really hot in the
 Another difference: With the MK 80 the hook block hangs outside the tower/
jib unit and must therefore be locked separately.
Liebherr MK 80 Liebherr MK 88
Undercarriage engine Liebherr D926 TI-E, 270 kW, 1.650 Nm LiebherrD936L A6, 300 kW, 1.872 Nm
Superstructure engine
Diesel generator 57,0 kVA
or external power connection 63 A/400 V
Diesel generator 48,0 kVA
or external power connection 63 A/400 V
Max. load capacity 8 t 8 t
Max. radius 42,0 m 45,0 m
Max. load capacity at max. radius 1,7 t 1,85 t/2,05 t with additional counterweights
Hook height of jib horizontal 19,6 m/28,0 m 17,9 m/30,2 m
Max. hook height at luffed jib position 48,1 m 59,1 m
„But we have had jobs that would have not been
possible without the 45° luffed position.“