Southern Cranes has enhanced its fleet by acquiring two Liebherr MK 140-5.1 units.

Southern Cranes, based in the UK, received a Liebherr MK 140-5.1 at the conclusion of 2024, and the company's expansion is set to continue with the anticipated arrival of a second crane in early 2025. The MK 140-5.1 represents the inaugural mobile tower cranes in the company's new branding, replacing the well-established MK 140, the predecessor within Southern’s fleet.

Liebherr MK 140-5.1 mobile crane from Southern Cranes & Access, showcases its robust design and advanced technology.

These new five-axle cranes boast lifting capacities of up to 8,000 kg and feature Liebherr’s innovative Trolley-Plus mode. This advanced mode enhances the payload by nearly 50% when the crane operates with the jib positioned at 15° or 45°. Consequently, the range and hook height have been significantly improved compared to the MK 140, enabling operators to accomplish more tasks with a single piece of equipment.

The first unit is outfitted with a 58.5-meter jib that provides mounting curves at 15°, 30°, and 45° luffed jib positions. In Trolley-Plus mode with the jib at 15°, the lifting capacity at the tip reaches 1,700 kg with a radius of 57 meters, while the maximum lifting capacity stands at 2,500 kg. When the jib is positioned at 45°, the lifting capacity at the tip remains at 1,700 kg with a radius of 41.5 meters, achieving a maximum lifting capacity of 2,650 kg.

The second mobile tower crane features the VarioJib concept, allowing for flexible use in trolley and luffing modes. With the jib at 70°, it achieves a maximum hook height of 94.4 meters and a maximum radius of 65 meters, accommodating a 1,000 kg capacity. This design makes the crane particularly suitable for projects in densely populated urban areas. In Trolley-Plus mode with the jib at 15°, it provides a lifting capacity at the tip of 1,700 kg and a radius of 56.5 meters, with a maximum lifting capacity of 2,500 kg. Similarly, when the jib is at 45°, the lifting capacity at the tip is 1,700 kg with a radius of 41.5 meters, and a maximum lifting capacity of 2,650 kg.

Southern’s operators participated in in-house familiarization training at Liebherr Great Britain’s headquarters on the first unit. This comprehensive training program equips trainees with the necessary knowledge of the new equipment and technology, ensuring efficient and effective operation on various projects.

Kelvin Prince, Director of Southern Cranes, stated: “We have always been strong advocates of Liebherr’s MK range, having introduced the UK’s very first MK100, MK88, and MK140. The decision to replace our two older machines was straightforward; they look remarkable in our new livery and will seamlessly integrate into our fleet profile. We extend our gratitude to our partners at Liebherr Great Britain for their invaluable support, and we look forward to continuing our partnership for many more years.”

Established in 1997, the family-run Southern Cranes operates a diverse fleet that includes all-terrain, mobile tower, city-type, and spider cranes from its base in Horsham, providing services across a broad area surrounding London and the southeast.