Liebherr MK 88 Plus mobile construction crane in Rotterdam: cost-effective and quiet continuous operation using site power

• Liebherr MK 88 Plus operates in electric power mode for three months in Rotterdam

• Mobile construction crane builds parts of an asphalt recycling plant in the port area

• MK cranes are increasingly in demand due to the consideration of noise emissions

• In full operation, site power mode saves around 33 litres of fuel a day

A Liebherr MK 88 Plus mobile construction crane from Dutch crane hire company Boekestijn was in operation for three months in Rotterdam for the construction of a new plant for recycling asphalt material. Noteworthy: the flexible crane operated continuously in site power mode on the construction site in the Dutch port metropolis.

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“Our MK mobile construction cranes are in increasing demand from sites requiring low noise emissions,” reports Lianne Boekestijn, following the completion of her crane’s assignment in the industrial district of South Holland’s port city. Crane operator Danny van Vliet was able to carry out the work there with his Liebherr mobile construction crane exclusively in electric operation and therefore without engine noise and pollutant emissions. Over the summer months, the MK 88 Plus from Kraanverhuur Boekestijn helped to construct a 25-metre high plant for the recycling of asphalt. The MK 88 Plus was in continuous operation, from structural steelwork and the assembly of plant components to the cladding of the newly constructed building.

Steering programs for good manoeuvrability and fast crane repositioning

As the available space for ongoing crane operation was limited at the plant site, the four-axle mobile construction crane was perfect for the job at hand. “The MK 88 Plus was the right crane for this assignment thanks to its ability to change location quickly, which is due to its excellent manoeuvrability,” explains Lianne Boekestijn. But the tower height of just over 30 metres was also decisive for carrying out the work, during which the crane had to be able to lift loads of up to 6.2 tonnes.

The company has many years of experience with Liebherr mobile cranes. MK 80, MK 88 and MK 100 model cranes became part of Boekestijn’s extensive fleet early on. In 2017, the first MK 88 Plus was ordered from Biberach – today, the company’s fleet includes three such cranes. “This mobile construction crane distinguishes itself above all else through its compact design, outstanding manoeuvrability thanks to multiple steering programs, and its greater tower height compared to the four-axle cranes of competitors,” says Boekestijn. “Plus, it's a considerable advantage that Liebherr enables the luffed jib position to be adjusted from the crane cab. And the electric operation option means we save around 33 litres of fuel per day when the crane is operating at full capacity.”

Boekestijn’s three cranes are in great demand on construction sites. “The cranes are mainly used for steel construction and roof work as part of residential and industrial construction but also for installing antennas and air conditioning systems as well as for building maintenance in urban areas,” enumerates Lianne Boekestijn. Not only is the company active in the Netherlands with its total of 46 cranes, but regularly in Belgium and Germany as well. Its larger telescopic cranes are also used throughout Northern and Western Europe. Boekestijn’s portfolio includes heavy haulage and machinery transport, equipment hire and project management.