Liebherr MK 88-4.1E Takes Hiap Heng into Mobile Construction Cranes
30-Second Takeaway
Singapore’s Hiap Heng Group has taken delivery of its first Liebherr MK 88-4.1E, expanding into mobile construction crane services. The four axle machine offers an eight-tonne maximum lifting capacity and a 45-metre working radius, with rapid deployment suited to short-duration urban lifting jobs. Its vertical tower and configurable outriggers support work around buildings and obstructions where space is restricted. Electric crane operation can use site power or an integrated generator, giving Hiap Heng additional options for projects with noise and emissions requirements.
Liebherr MK 88-4.1E
Hiap Heng Group has entered the mobile construction crane market with the delivery of a Liebherr MK 88-4.1E in Singapore on 2 August.
The addition extends the company’s lifting services into applications where a mobile tower crane’s reach and compact setup can help address restricted access. Hiap Heng’s existing fleet comprises more than 100 machines, including mobile cranes, crawler cranes and aerial work platforms.
The new crane is intended to support construction, maintenance and installation work across Singapore’s densely developed urban environment.
Tower Crane Reach on a Mobile Carrier
The MK 88-4.1E combines a self-erecting tower crane arrangement with a four axle road-going carrier. Its vertical tower allows the jib to work above obstructions while positioning the crane close to a building.
Maximum lifting capacity is eight tonnes. At its maximum radius of 45 metres, the crane can handle 2.2 tonnes. The jib can operate horizontally or at raised angles of 15, 30 and 45 degrees, with a maximum hook height of 59.1 metres available in the appropriate configuration.
Its asymmetrical outrigger configuration provides additional setup flexibility where the available space differs around the crane.
Hiap Heng identifies office buildings, schools, hospitals, shopping centres and infrastructure works as potential applications, alongside a range of installation tasks.
Rapid Deployment for Short-Duration Work
Liebherr states that transport, erection and operation can be carried out by one person. The crane’s integrated arrangement allows it to mobilise as a taxi crane without separate transport units for a standard deployment.
For Hiap Heng, shorter setup times offer a way to make smaller or time-sensitive lifting assignments more practical. Depending on travel distances and job requirements, the machine can potentially serve more than one site in a day.
The mobile construction crane format also adds a different option to the company’s conventional mobile and crawler crane services, particularly for repeated lifts across a building’s working area.
Electric Lifting with Flexible Power Supply
The MK 88-4.1E uses electric drives for crane operation, supplied either by an external site connection or its integrated generator. An optional arrangement allows operation from a 32-amp supply.
External electrical power allows lifting without running the onboard generator, reducing local exhaust emissions and engine noise during crane operation. Generator power retains flexibility where a suitable site connection is unavailable.
The road carrier remains diesel-powered, distinguishing its transport system from the electrically driven lifting functions. Liebherr lists a six-cylinder diesel engine for the carrier.
Hiap Heng’s Investment in Urban Lifting
Hiap Heng Group CEO Joyce Foo said:
“The construction industry is constantly evolving. Limited space in urban areas is presenting project managers with increasingly complex challenges. Our clients expect safe and cost-effective solutions. The MK 88-4.1E is a targeted addition to our service portfolio.”
Foo said the crane’s versatility would allow the company to support projects that previously required more complex arrangements. She also highlighted shorter setup times, electric operation and operator confidence as factors behind the investment.
The purchase establishes a new equipment relationship with Liebherr, with Hiap Heng identifying technical expertise, customer service and user training as priorities for its ongoing operation.
On the company’s longer-term plans, Foo said:
“This decision underlines our long-term commitment to innovation, safety and productivity. We are investing not only in modern machinery, but also in the future of our employees and business partners. Together with Liebherr, we aim to explore new opportunities and actively support the further development of intelligent lifting solutions.”
About Hiap Heng Group
Hiap Heng Group is a Singapore-based heavy equipment rental and engineering business established in 1983. It serves construction, infrastructure, marine, industrial and energy customers, drawing on more than four decades of operating experience.
Its equipment portfolio includes mobile and crawler cranes, aerial work platforms and heavy transport equipment. These resources support lifting, access and logistics requirements across a range of project environments.
The group’s fleet comprises more than 100 machines. Its first MK 88-4.1E adds mobile construction crane capability, extending its services for building maintenance, installation and construction work in confined urban locations.
Official website: www.hiapheng.com.sg
About Liebherr
Liebherr is a family-owned technology and equipment manufacturer founded by Hans Liebherr in 1949 in Kirchdorf an der Iller, Germany. Its lifting portfolio includes mobile and crawler cranes, tower cranes, maritime cranes and mobile construction cranes.
The MK mobile construction crane range combines road mobility with a tower crane working arrangement. These machines are designed for applications where rapid mobilisation, reach over obstructions and compact setup are central to the lifting task.
The wider group also manufactures earthmoving and mining equipment, material handling machinery, components and industrial technologies. Its equipment businesses are supported by an international network of sales and service partners.
For Hiap Heng, the relationship includes access to Liebherr’s technical expertise, customer service and operator training, supporting the introduction of a new crane category into its fleet.
Official website: www.liebherr.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What has Hiap Heng purchased?
Hiap Heng has taken delivery of its first Liebherr MK 88-4.1E, marking its entry into mobile construction cranes.
What is the crane’s lifting capacity?
Maximum lifting capacity is eight tonnes, with 2.2 tonnes available at the maximum 45-metre radius.
What is its maximum hook height?
The MK 88-4.1E offers a maximum hook height of 59.1 metres in the appropriate raised-jib configuration.
How is the crane powered?
Its lifting functions use electric drives supplied by site electricity or an integrated generator. The road carrier uses a diesel engine.
What work will it support?
Potential applications include construction and maintenance at offices, schools, hospitals and shopping centres, as well as infrastructure and installation projects.
