MK 140‑5.1E masters roof installations for DB mega project in Cottbus

Over the past few months, the MK 140-5.1E has already completed numerous jobs at the major construction site in Cottbus. The Liebherr mobile construction crane, owned by the Radeberg-based company Krandienst Kunze e.K., is primarily responsible for installation work on the roof surfaces of the extensive halls at the new maintenance facility. This includes lifting and positioning air conditioning and exhaust air systems, insulation materials and photovoltaic modules. These components often have to be transported to their installation sites over long distances and with significant outreach.

With its jib, Liebherr’s most powerful mobile crane in this configuration can reach distances of up to 58.5 metres in trolley mode. Even at maximum outreach, it can still lift a gross load of 1.9 tonnes. “With these massive hall roofs, long reaches are part of everyday life here,” reports Maik Kempe, who has been operating the MK 140-5.1E for two and a half years and is very satisfied with the reliability of his machine. “In all that time, I haven’t had any major technical problems. I wouldn’t want to drive any other crane.”

An added safety feature: the liftable cab

When carrying out work that requires precise load handling, Maik Kempe particularly appreciates his liftable crane operator’s cab. “You can literally see everything. A huge advantage.” The significantly better overview makes coordination on site easier – especially when communication on site is challenging. “That’s not just the case here in Cottbus,” reports Kempe. Many construction sites employ fitters from Eastern Europe, some of whom speak very little German or English. Radio communication then quickly reaches its limits. For Kempe, the raised cab position is therefore more than just a matter of comfort: it allows him to visually monitor work processes directly and – if necessary – react accordingly.

Thanks to its design, the MK 140-5.1E can be positioned close to the building and requires very little floor space. This is particularly advantageous when several trades are working simultaneously and space on the construction site is limited. Added to this is its flexibility: the crane can be moved quickly, which also makes it a suitable piece of equipment for the often-cramped construction site in Cottbus. For Maik Kempe, this likely means a few more assignments in the Lusatia region. The crane operator will therefore be making the journey from the company’s headquarters in Radeberg, Saxony, to Cottbus even more frequently with his mobile construction crane.