Liebherr Introduces MK 88-4.2E Mobile Construction Crane

November 5, 2026 - Liebherr has introduced the MK 88-4.2E, a new four-axle mobile construction crane designed to meet road weight requirements in international markets. The model succeeds the MK 88-4.1E and offers an operating configuration with an axle load below 9.2 tonnes  (10.14 U.S. tons) and a gross vehicle weight below 36.3 tonnes (40.01 U.S. tons). Series deliveries are planned to begin in the second quarter of 2027.

The crane also offers operating modes with axle loads of 12 and 10 tonnes (13.23 and 11.02 U.S. tons). Liebherr said the lower-weight configuration may make it easier to obtain road approvals in markets with stricter heavy vehicle weight limits. Wider 445/75 R22.5 tires mounted on aluminum rims are intended to support access to additional markets, including Australia, Denmark, and the United States.

Liebherr redesigned the crane chassis and counterweight to accommodate the lower axle loads. The counterweight is divided into removable sections, and the outrigger beams can be removed.

An optional self-ballasting system allows the counterweight to be installed without an auxiliary crane. Depending on the distance to the ballast transport vehicle, the crane can lift the counterweight onto its chassis in two or three lifts. Ballast cylinders are integrated into the chassis to support installation and removal.

The MK 88-4.2E also offers an electro-hydraulic operating option for supporting and ballasting the crane on site. The system can use on-site electricity or an external battery power pack to complete these operations without producing CO2 emissions.

A 16-ampere mains connection is standard, alongside the existing 32- and 63-ampere options. The lower-amperage connection allows the crane to operate using mains power at construction sites with lower electrical capacity, although at reduced speeds. Liebherr said its energy management system and fully electric drives allow the crane to adapt to different power conditions.

The MK 88-4.2E has a maximum lifting capacity of eight tonnes and a maximum boom radius of 45 meters (147.64 feet). At the boom tip, it can lift up to 2,200 kilograms (4850.17 pounds). Its Load-Plus control system can automatically increase lifting capacity by up to 10%.

The four-axle crane has a turning circle of 11.88 meters (38.98 feet) and independent rear-axle steering. Liebherr said these characteristics support its use in applications ranging from urban construction sites to industrial projects.

The crane can operate fully electrically using site power or another external power source. This allows for quieter operation, which may be useful on construction sites operating at night. The MK 88-4.2E is also compatible with Liebherr's Liduro Power Port mobile energy storage system. If an external power source is unavailable, a diesel generator provides independent operation.

The boom system is largely carried over from the previous MK 88-4.1E model, while the chassis and counterweight have been redesigned to support the new weight configurations.