BKL with a new product group and a new film at Bauma 2022

A resounding success: the countless visitors were extremely impressed with two crane innovations, the new addition to the tower crane portfolio and a spectacular film, plus the making-of.

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Kicking off its 15th Bauma show, BKL Baukran Logistik GmbH launched several huge new arrivals in Munich. The crane specialist unveiled the 35-metre self-erecting crane CM 350 and a double innovation in the top-slewing crane segment. One of the first of its kind worldwide, the SLH 70.4 represents a new product group for BKL. Its rental fleet now also includes luffing jib cranes, along with over 600 tower and mobile cranes. Moreover, visitors to the stand were fascinated to watch the brand new BKL film on a giant screen. Starring two mobile cranes, the story follows the team as they perform lifts with pinpoint precision. The making of the film was shown as a Bauma exclusive.

"Once again, we presented some great innovations at Bauma 2022. We are particularly proud of our film that has received such fantastic feedback. It demonstrates why BKL is one of Europe's largest full-service providers of crane solutions. At the same time, it pays tribute to our employees, who handle our customers' lifting projects with their enormous expertise and problem-solving focus," says Jörg Hegestweiler, CEO at BKL.

The new product group will pave the way for even more efficient crane solutions

With the SLH 70.4, BKL not only showcased one of the world's first machines in this class, but is also expanding its range of tower cranes. Spanish manufacturer Sáez' luffing jib crane is mainly deployed at construction sites with several cranes, where space is limited: with a radius of just 4 metres, the top-slewing crane adapts to the smallest area due to its adjustable jib. This avoids having to swing over neighbouring properties. Thanks to its tower variants measuring 1.35 or 1.70 metres, it is ideal for city-centre projects – even fitting into narrow lift shafts. Two different interior climbing systems enable the crane to grow alongside the building. The luffing jib can lift a maximum of 4 tonnes or 2.1 tonnes with a radius of 35 metres.

The new product group closed the exhibition with yet another innovation: the SLH 205 with a load capacity of up to 10 tonnes was on display at Sáez' stand. Offering a maximum radius of 55 metres and lifting a maximum of 2.6 tonnes tip load, the slightly larger luffing jib is now also available to rent from BKL.

The latest generation of self-erecting cranes

Developed for the digital transformation of the construction site, the Industry 4.0-ready CM 350 is making its world debut, taking the next step in the evolution of the BKL System Cattaneo. With a 35-metre radius, hook height of 23.3 metres and maximum load capacity of 4 tonnes, the Italian Luigi Cattaneo S.p.A. workhorse is the upgraded version of the tried-and-tested CM 82S4 and CM 300 machines. Like almost all cranes in the series, the CM 350 uses 2-fall technology and is operational in next to no time, thanks to its hydraulic assembly and space-saving folding system.

As a contrast, the historical miniature crane "Gruetta Velox" charmed scores of crane fans with its hook height of 7 to 13 metres and 3-metre radius. It underlines the development of crane technology from the hand-operated telescopic crane of 1959 through to modern, Industry 4.0-ready machines that have an eco mode to conserve energy.

Hollywood flair with the exclusive making-of on the video wall

The highlight among the numerous projects documented on the large LED wall was BKL's brand new film, featuring two 450-tonne mobile cranes in the lead roles and an unexpected twist. It attracted crowds of spectators and brought a touch of Hollywood to Bauma. Filmed in cinema quality, the unusual story includes a real stuntman and guarantees an adrenaline rush. The video is available on YouTube at www.youtube.com/bklbaukranlogistikgmbh. As a Bauma exclusive, thrilling behind-the-scenes footage was shown for the first time.

State-of-the-art mobile crane technology for the BKL fleet

In addition to the machines shown at its stand, BKL invested in trade fair innovations in the mobile crane segment. Among others, the crane specialist acquired the brand new GMK 5150XL, which was on display at the Manitowoc stand. With a 68,7-metre telescopic boom and a maximum lifting height of 93 metres, the 150-tonne powerhouse will form part of the Frankfurt mobile crane fleet from now on. Thus, various new all-terrain cranes are available to rent after the exhibition, thereby extending the current lineup of over 100 mobile cranes ranging from 30 to 700 tonnes.