MaxiKraft’s Maximum Team Deploy Liebherr MK88-4.1 for Erfurt Relief Operation
- Meagan Wood
- Feb 3
- 3 min read
30-Second Takeaway
Following a devastating fire that damaged three historic houses on Erfurt’s Cathedral Square, MaxiKraft’s Maximum Team mobilised a Liebherr MK88-4.1 mobile construction crane to support clean-up and emergency roofing works. The operation highlighted the crane’s suitability for confined urban environments and rapid deployment.
Liebherr MK88-4.1 Supports Post-Fire Operations in Erfurt
Around 45 minutes into the New Year, a major fire broke out involving three historic houses on Erfurt’s Cathedral Square (Domplatz). Roof beams were destroyed, and more than 20 residents were left without homes as a result of the inferno.
Less than three weeks after the incident, MaxiKraft’s Maximum Team, together with colleague Volker from the Dornheim/Erfurt branch, arrived on site with a Liebherr MK88-4.1 mobile construction crane to support clean-up and stabilisation work using brand-new crane technology.
Operating in a Constrained Historic City Centre
Despite the limited space between historic buildings and the proximity of a tram line, the MK88-4.1 was set up quickly, with the crane’s mast unfolding fully automatically in just a few minutes.
The team supported their customer, roofing and carpentry company Torsten Jäger of Witterda, removing damaged roof tiles and burned beams using small rubble containers. The Maximum Team remained on site for ten days, contributing to the safe clearance and securing of the damaged structures.
Designed for Tight Urban Environments
Commenting on the operation, Torsten Grimm, branch manager, highlighted the crane’s suitability for city-centre work:
“The new mobile construction crane is ideally suited for working in confined spaces.”
The lattice mast of the Liebherr MK88-4.1 reaches a height of 30 metres, offers a 45-metre radius, and can handle loads of up to eight tonnes, providing flexibility for a wide range of lifting and material-handling tasks.
Operator Visibility and Rapid Project Completion
The crane is equipped with a lift cabin, giving the operator an excellent overview of the site at all times an important advantage when working in densely built, sensitive locations.
“With the latest crane in our fleet, many tasks can be completed quickly, even in the middle of the city centre,” Grimm added.
Thanks to the coordinated effort, the Domplatz houses have now been secured with emergency roofs, allowing the next phases of restoration planning to proceed.
About MaxiKraft
MaxiKraft is a Germany-based specialist in crane hire, mobile construction cranes, and engineered lifting solutions, supporting construction, industrial, infrastructure, and emergency-response projects across the country. The company is known for operating advanced lifting technology in complex urban environments, where space constraints, sensitive surroundings, and safety considerations demand precision and experience.
Through its Maximum Team, MaxiKraft delivers rapid-response lifting support using modern mobile construction cranes, including Liebherr’s MK-series, which are particularly suited to inner-city work, refurbishment projects, and historic building environments. The team combines technical expertise with flexible deployment to support time-critical and logistically challenging operations.
MaxiKraft places a strong emphasis on safety, operator training, and equipment innovation, enabling it to support both planned construction projects and urgent relief operations. Its investment in the latest crane technology reflects a continued focus on efficiency, reliability, and customer collaboration.
About Liebherr Mobile and Crawler Cranes
Liebherr Mobile and Crawler Cranes is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of mobile cranes, crawler cranes, and mobile construction cranes, supplying lifting solutions for construction, infrastructure, industrial, and urban applications worldwide. The business segment forms part of the Liebherr Group, a family-owned company with a global manufacturing and service network.
Liebherr’s portfolio includes all-terrain cranes, truck-mounted cranes, rough-terrain cranes, crawler cranes, and mobile construction cranes such as the MK series, which combine the mobility of a mobile crane with the performance of a tower crane. These cranes are designed for rapid setup, high lifting performance, and safe operation in confined or city-centre environments.
With production facilities in Germany and Austria, and a worldwide sales and service organisation, Liebherr Mobile and Crawler Cranes supports customers through comprehensive after-sales service, training, and digital solutions. Continuous innovation in areas such as automation, operator ergonomics, and sustainable drive technologies underpins the company’s long-standing position in the global lifting industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What crane was used during the Erfurt relief operation?
The operation used a Liebherr MK88-4.1 mobile construction crane.
Where did the fire take place?
The fire occurred on Erfurt’s Cathedral Square (Domplatz), affecting three historic houses.
Why was the MK88-4.1 suitable for this project?
The crane is designed for confined urban environments, offering rapid setup, automated mast unfolding, and strong lifting performance within limited space.
How long was the Maximum Team on site?
The team supported the clean-up and securing works for ten days.
