Press releases | 04/11/2016 81 K.1 and 65 K.1: Upgrade for Liebherr tower cranes

  • The upgraded cranes are available from autumn 2016
  • These fast-erecting cranes are available all over the world
  • The main features of the upgrade are increased lifting capacities and jib extensions

Liebherr has upgraded the 81 K and 65 K fast-erecting cranes in time for the Bauma 2016. The result are two cranes with greater capacity and more flexibility: the 81 K.1 and the 65 K.1. The lifting capacities for both cranes have been increased by up to 20% and at the same time their jibs have been extended by 3m. Furthermore, a new, external cabin is available. Liebherr will present the 81 K.1 at the Bauma 2016 as a representative of the upgraded cranes.

The 81 K and 65 K fast-erecting cranes are among the bestsellers in Liebherr's range of tower cranes. Powerful performance, attractive design and reliability are the three main reasons for the fact that around 1,000 customers have up to now bought one of these cranes.

Upgrade makes the 81 K.1 and 65 K.1 more flexible and powerful

The lifting capacity of the upgraded Liebherr 81 K.1 and 65 K.1 fast-erecting cranes can be temporarily increased by up to 20%. Using the so-called Load-Plus function, there is no need to use an additional larger crane for heavyweight hoists.

By bolting on an extension, the jib on both cranes can be extended by 3m with no great effort. By comparison with the predecessors, this increases the maximum radius of the 81 K.1 to 48m whilst the 65 K.1 rises to 43m. This means that both cranes almost reach the next higher crane class.

Time-tested tower crane functions will naturally remain available after the upgrade of the fast-erecting cranes. These include pure Speed2Lift 2-line operation, Micromove fine positioning mode and the ABB operating-range limiting system.

New external cabin provides more safety and comfort

Liebherr is also unveiling the new optional exterior cabin for its K series cranes. Depending on requirements, this cabin can be installed quickly and easily on any new K crane using its own load hook. The safe access ladder on the side is easy to reach. Due to its external position, the crane driver has a perfect view of the site.

The new cabin with its ergonomic controls provides the crane driver with plenty of space and enables him to work efficiently without fatigue. This results in greater capacity and safety in operation. Another positive side-effect is that costs will be reduced for fleet operators since the same cabin can be used on different Liebherr fast-erecting cranes where necessary.

Technical data 81 K.1 65 K.1
Max. lifting capacity
Max. lifting capacity at the jib head
Max. radius
Slewing radius
6,000 kg
1,350 kg
48.0 m
2.75m / 3.50 m
4,500 kg
1,350 kg
43.0 m
2.55 m / 3.20 m
Hook heights    
Tower retracted
Tower extended
Inserted tower sections
30° raised jib position
17.4 m
26.0 m
6 sections / 40.4 m
55.0 m
15.6 m
22.6 m
5 sections / 34.6 m
51.7 m