Liebherr MK 140-5.1E Supports Major Deutsche Bahn ICE Depot Project in Cottbus
- Meagan Wood
- Apr 23
- 4 min read
30-Second Takeaway
The Liebherr MK 140-5.1E mobile construction crane is supporting roof installation operations at Deutsche Bahn’s new ICE maintenance depot in Cottbus, Germany. Operated by Krandienst Kunze, the crane has delivered reliable performance for over two years while handling complex lifting tasks including HVAC systems, insulation materials, and solar panels across the large-scale rail infrastructure project.
Liebherr MK 140-5.1E Supports Construction of Major ICE Maintenance Depot in Cottbus
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is currently transforming its existing rail facility in Cottbus, Germany, into one of the country’s largest and most advanced ICE maintenance depots.
The large-scale infrastructure project includes the construction of two major maintenance halls designed to service the latest ICE 4-generation high-speed trains, which measure up to 375 metres in length.
A range of Liebherr cranes have been deployed throughout the project, including a Liebherr MK 140-5.1E mobile construction crane operated by Saxony-based lifting company Krandienst Kunze e.K. The crane has become a key part of ongoing roof installation operations across the extensive depot complex.
MK 140-5.1E Handles Complex Roof Installation Work
Over recent months, the Liebherr MK 140-5.1E has been responsible for lifting and positioning a variety of large construction components across the depot’s expansive roof areas.
Crane Supports HVAC, Insulation and Solar Panel Installation
Primary lifting operations have included:
Air conditioning systems
Exhaust air units
Insulation materials
Photovoltaic modules
These components often require transportation over long distances and challenging outreach positions across the large maintenance halls.
Long Reach Performance Critical for Large-Scale Project
Configured in trolley mode, the MK 140-5.1E can achieve working radii of up to 58.5 metres while still lifting gross loads of approximately 1.9 tonnes at maximum outreach.
According to crane operator Maik Kempe, long-reach lifting has become part of daily operations on the project.
“With these massive hall roofs, long reaches are part of everyday life here,” said Kempe.
Kempe has operated the crane for approximately two and a half years and praised the reliability of the Liebherr mobile construction crane.
“In all that time, I haven’t had any major technical problems. I wouldn’t want to drive any other crane.”
Liftable Cab Improves Safety and Visibility on Site
One of the most valuable features for the crane operator has been the MK 140-5.1E’s liftable operator cab.
Raised Cab Position Improves Oversight and Coordination
The elevated cab provides operators with direct visibility of both the load and surrounding work areas during lifting operations.
According to Kempe, this significantly improves safety and site coordination during complex installation tasks.
“You can literally see everything. A huge advantage.”
Visual Monitoring Helps Overcome Communication Challenges
Kempe explained that multilingual construction environments can sometimes create communication difficulties on large international job sites. With workers from different countries operating across the project, radio communication is not always sufficient.
The raised cab position allows the crane operator to directly observe work processes and react quickly when required, improving operational awareness and reducing potential risks.
Compact Design Supports Congested Construction Environments
The Liebherr MK 140-5.1E has also proven valuable because of its ability to operate efficiently in restricted construction site conditions.
Mobile Construction Crane Requires Minimal Footprint
The crane’s compact design allows it to be positioned close to buildings while occupying relatively little ground space.
This is particularly important on major construction sites where multiple contractors and trades are operating simultaneously.
Fast Relocation Improves Operational Flexibility
The crane can also be repositioned quickly when site requirements change, improving flexibility across the often-congested construction environment in Cottbus.
For operator Maik Kempe, this likely means continued assignments throughout the Lusatia region, travelling regularly between Krandienst Kunze’s headquarters in Radeberg and the expanding infrastructure project in Cottbus.
Deutsche Bahn Continues Investing in Rail Infrastructure Modernisation
The new maintenance depot in Cottbus forms part of Deutsche Bahn’s broader investment strategy focused on modernising Germany’s rail infrastructure and expanding maintenance capabilities for next-generation ICE trains.
New Depot Designed for Full-Length ICE 4 Trains
Once completed, the facility will allow Deutsche Bahn to service ICE 4 trains at their full operational length of up to 375 metres. The project is expected to significantly improve maintenance efficiency and operational readiness for Germany’s expanding high-speed rail network.
About Krandienst Kunze
Krandienst Kunze e.K. is a Germany-based crane and lifting specialist headquartered in Radeberg, Saxony. The company provides mobile crane services, heavy lifting support, and construction logistics solutions across a range of industrial, infrastructure, and commercial projects throughout Germany.
The company operates a modern fleet of Liebherr mobile and tower cranes designed to support demanding lifting operations in complex construction environments.
About Liebherr
Founded in 1949, the Liebherr Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction and heavy lifting equipment. The company produces a broad portfolio of cranes, earthmoving machinery, mining equipment, and industrial technologies serving infrastructure, logistics, energy, and construction industries worldwide.
Liebherr’s mobile construction crane division is internationally recognised for compact crane technology, advanced lifting systems, and innovative solutions designed for urban and infrastructure projects.
Website:https://www.liebherr.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What project is the Liebherr MK 140-5.1E working on?
The crane is supporting construction of Deutsche Bahn’s new ICE maintenance depot in Cottbus, Germany.
What tasks is the MK 140-5.1E performing?
The crane is handling roof installation work including HVAC systems, insulation materials, exhaust systems, and photovoltaic modules.
Who operates the Liebherr MK 140-5.1E on the project?
The crane is operated by German lifting company Krandienst Kunze e.K., based in Radeberg, Saxony.
What is the maximum outreach of the MK 140-5.1E?
In trolley mode, the crane can reach up to 58.5 metres while lifting loads of approximately 1.9 tonnes at maximum radius.
Why is the liftable cab important?
The raised cab improves visibility, operational safety, and coordination during lifting operations, especially on large multilingual construction sites.
