Richi Upgrades Fleet with Liebherr MK 120-5.1E Electric Mobile Tower Crane
- Meagan Wood
- Mar 23
- 3 min read
30-Second Takeaway
Richi has taken delivery of a Liebherr MK 120-5.1E self-erecting mobile tower crane, replacing a 19-year-old MK 100. The new electric-powered crane offers an eight-tonne capacity and supports emission-free operation via external power, aligning with growing demand for low-emission construction solutions.
Liebherr MK 120-5.1E
Swiss rental company Richi has taken delivery of an eight tonne Liebherr MK 120-5.1E self-erecting mobile tower crane.
The new unit replaces a 19-year-old MK 100, marking a significant fleet upgrade as the company continues to modernize its lifting equipment and improve operational efficiency.
Electric Lifting and Performance Capabilities
The MK 120-5.1E, launched at the JDL trade show in September last year, is designed for both performance and sustainability.
It features a maximum capacity of eight tonnes, a 52-metre jib, and a 2.1-tonne jib tip capacity, with a maximum luffing angle of 40 degrees. The crane is also equipped with a new 12-inch TC-OS (Tower Crane Operating System) display, offering an updated and more intuitive user interface.
A key advantage is its electric operation, enabled through a 63 Amp external power connection, allowing for reduced emissions on job sites.
Meeting Demand for Low-Emission Construction
Markus Fleck, head of cranes and transport at Richi, highlighted the growing demand for sustainable lifting solutions.
“On more and more construction sites, there is a growing demand to minimise emissions. Thanks to the 63 Amp external power connection, we can operate the MK 120-5.1E electrically and thus reduce emissions.”
He added that the crane is particularly well suited for carpenters, timber construction firms, roofers, and landscaping contractors, offering quick setup, a compact footprint and strong performance for short-term jobs.
The crane also fills a capability gap where truck-mounted loader cranes and smaller models like the MK 88 are no longer sufficient.
A Century of Growth for Richi
Richi, a family-owned company established in 1924 by Johann Richi, began as a gravel supplier before expanding into transport and construction services.
Over the decades, the company diversified into excavation, earthmoving, and crane operations, introducing its first road-going cranes in 1978, including Grove truck cranes.
Today, Richi operates a modern fleet that includes mobile self-erecting tower cranes, articulated loader cranes, and All Terrain cranes, including units up to 350 tonnes, supported by a team of approximately 150 employees.
About
About Richi
Richi is a Swiss family-owned construction and crane rental company founded in 1924. Originally established as a gravel supplier, the company has evolved into a diversified operation offering transport, earthmoving and lifting services. Today, Richi operates a modern fleet of cranes, including mobile tower cranes and All Terrain models, serving a wide range of construction and industrial sectors with a strong focus on efficiency and reliability.
Website: https://www.richi-ag.ch
About Liebherr
Liebherr is a global manufacturer of construction machinery and equipment, including mobile cranes, tower cranes and earthmoving equipment. The company is known for its engineering innovation and development of advanced lifting technologies, including mobile self-erecting tower cranes like the MK series. Liebherr continues to lead in the integration of digital systems and low-emission technologies across its product range.
Website: https://www.liebherr.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What crane did Richi add to its fleet?
Richi added a Liebherr MK 120-5.1E self-erecting mobile tower crane.
What is the lifting capacity of the MK 120-5.1E?
The crane has a maximum capacity of eight tonnes.
What makes the MK 120-5.1E unique?
It offers electric operation via external power, reducing emissions, along with a modern TC-OS control system.
What crane did it replace?
It replaced a 19-year-old Liebherr MK 100.
Who are the primary users of this crane?
It is well suited for carpenters, timber construction firms, roofers, and landscaping contractors.
When was Richi founded?
Richi was founded in 1924.
