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Compact precision: Liebherr MK mobile construction crane solves space constraints in Miami Design District
Bringing a new design to life, the flagship Cartier store in Miami’s Design District went through a full remodel requiring the unloading and placement of multiple handcrafted glass panels to line the modern exterior of the store. Cartier turned to North American Crane & Rigging, LLC. who recently added their fourth Liebherr MK mobile construction crane to their Miami based fleet. The mobile construction crane proved essential in placing the new glass façade. The MK’s adjustable cab as well as its rapid assembly and disassembly made it the perfect solution for the dense, urban environment.
-low-res_w592.jpg "Cartier shell")
Known for its creative atmosphere, luxury shopping, and dedication to sleek, modern design, the Miami Design District presented North American Crane & Rigging with the ultimate challenge: bringing a reimagined design to life.
Located within Miami’s Design District, the luxury brand Cartier required a full exterior remodel, stripping the façade back to bare bones with a wooden shell to cover the construction site. Requiring a highly skilled vendor to unload and place the massive, handcrafted glass panels along the exterior of the luxury store, Cartier turned to North American Crane & Rigging, LLC to support the heavy lifting of this difficult project.
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The turnkey crane and rental company needed to find the ideal machine to set the new floor-to-ceiling glass panels around the exterior of Cartier’s flagship store. Due to the limited space, a traditional mobile crane would be too large to use on the narrow streets of the high traffic Design District. With this in mind, North American Crane & Rigging knew the Liebherr MK 140-5.1E mobile construction crane was the ideal solution for the job site’s tight conditions due to its height and radius when erected. The crane ultimately combines the reach of a tower crane with the agility of a mobile crane, making it the best crane for the job.
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Precision in practice
Before the crane could begin placing the panels, a wooden shell was placed around the entirety of the luxury store construction site, leaving a small gap of mere feet for the operator to lift and place each glass panel inside. To allow the crane to gently lift the glass, North American Crane & Rigging used a custom fabricated glass suction device with the Liebherr MK mobile construction crane to unload the panels, rotate them from horizontal to vertical, and then hoist each individual panel 200 ft above the narrow street to carefully place them over the construction shell into the gap.
With zero room for error, the crane operator engaged the MK’s positioning mode known as micromove, enabling millimeter-level accuracy as the panels cleared the shell. Inside the gap, riggers guided the glass into its final position, relying on constant communication and complete trust in the operator.
The crane was set up in a dense urban environment, which did not allow us to use a standard mobile crane that would need counterweights and space to build jib-sections. Also, there was a privacy wall blocking where the glass would be set and we needed the capability of the MK 140’s adjustable cab to avoid working completely in the blind.
The team had to work with extreme precision, as each handcrafted panel measured 20 ft high by 10 ft wide. The project also required much of the work to be completed "blind" due to the wooden shell around the exterior of the building. However, the Liebherr crane’s mobile cab capabilities enabled the operator to adjust its height in real time, improving visibility and maneuvering the load based on constant guidance and communication from the team inside the gap.
“The crane was set up in a dense urban environment, which did not allow us to use a standard mobile crane that would need counterweights and space to build jib-sections. Also, there was a privacy wall blocking where the glass would be set and we needed the capability of the MK 140’s adjustable cab to avoid working completely in the blind," said Jake Izzo, director of business development, North American Crane & Rigging.
Compact precision: Liebherr MK mobile crane solves space constraints in Miami Design District
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Efficient solutions
Not only was this project immensely difficult due to the tight environment and obstructive shell, but much of the work had to be completed at night thanks to the high traffic in the area. “We had to prepare a detailed MOT plan even though the project was being conducted in the middle of the night as this was a high traffic section of the city. This is why we needed to use the MK 140’s rapid assembly and disassembly capability,” said Izzo.
North American Crane & Rigging noted that they purchased this crane due to its unique capabilities, specifically its ability to erect in under 20 minutes without an assist crane or support vehicles, which provides a great supplement to their standard mobile cranes and static tower fleet. Izzo continued, “The Liebherr MK mobile construction crane can assemble and operate as it travels which is a great advantage in our market because without those capabilities, we would have to build jib sections and add additional loads of counterweight. This allows us to deliver a unique value-driven solution to our clients."
Performance matters
The Liebherr MK 140-5.1E mobile construction crane is a compact five-axle model that achieves a dimension of performance that was previously reserved for equipment in higher axle classes. Thanks to the crane’s versatility, they are available to move to several locations per day without the need for complex logistics. They are also optimal for environments such as urban areas or when working at night: operated with on-site power, they operate quietly and emissions-free, providing the ideal solution for North American Crane & Rigging.
The MK comes equipped standard with a Hybrid Power Concept, which enables operation with site power and the use of HVO fuels. Additionally, all drives and winches are powered by electric motors meaning that the crane’s operation is quiet, emissions-free and very economical, all of which benefit the dense Miami job site.
This crane also offers unique Vario Jib technology that transforms a trolley jib into a luffing jib within minutes – with just one person. In luffing jib mode, a hook height of 310 ft (94.4 m) and a radius of 213 ft (65 m) can be achieved, with a maximum tip load of 2200 lbs (1 t).
-low-res_w592.jpg "Cartier store street view")
Custom offerings across the east coast
With an expansive fleet, including four Liebherr MK mobile construction cranes, North American Crane & Rigging was created with a mission to become an optimal provider of lifting, rigging and transportation solutions on the East coast. The company pursues excellence through strategic investments in the most innovative crane and rigging equipment as well as a highly experienced team. The core of their company’s operations is based on safety, bespoke and dedicated service, and consistent delivery of value.
As the Cartier boutique renovation was completed, North American Crane & Rigging was thrilled with the results of the Liebherr MK 140-5.1E as well as its unique offerings to the market. “We have successfully completed this project with no injuries and no damage to glass,” said Izzo. “When expectations surpass the ordinary, only one solution rises to meet them. The Liebherr MK 140 offers uncompromising versatility, reach, and refined efficiency—delivered as a complete turnkey experience.”
