The world’s first Liebherr MK 120-5.1E mobile construction crane has made its debut in the historic old town of Bern, Switzerland. Operated by Zaugg AG Rohrbach, the new all-electric model installed emergency roofs weighing up to 2.5 tonnes at a radius of 45 metres, all while operating quietly and emission-free in the city’s pedestrian zone.
A New Benchmark in Urban Lifting
Delivered this summer, Zaugg’s new five-axle MK 120-5.1E quickly proved its capabilities. “We are using our MK 120-5.1E here for the first time today. The crane is ideal for this work and provides us with the required performance parameters,” said Stefan Stettler, Head of the Crane Department at Zaugg AG Rohrbach.
The crane’s compact design and all-wheel steering enabled it to manoeuvre through the narrow streets of Bern’s old town. Once in position, it lifted roof elements weighing up to 2.5 tonnes over buildings and chimneys with precision.
Electric Power for a Cleaner City
Powered entirely by electricity, the crane drew energy from a Liebherr Liduro Power Port LPO 100 battery trailer, providing enough stored power for two days of operation. The result was low-noise and emission-free work — a major advantage for residents and tourists in the busy city centre.
“The low-noise and emission-free crane work is naturally pleasant for residents, tourists, and passers-by,” said Stettler. “We only extended the crane support on one side to allow pedestrians and cyclists to pass safely.”
Even with continuous lifting, more than half of the stored energy remained by day’s end, demonstrating the efficiency of the new system. The MK 120-5.1E can also operate fully autonomously with an integrated energy storage unit for up to two days.
Efficient Setup with Built-in Auxiliary Crane
The project also showcased the crane’s optional auxiliary crane, which simplifies setup by helping lay out load distribution plates quickly. “The auxiliary crane is absolutely brilliant — setup work is done in just minutes,” said Christian Geissmann, Project Manager for Crane Logistics at Zaugg.
All four of Zaugg’s Liebherr mobile construction cranes — including the MK 140-5.1E and two MK 88-4.1Es — are used extensively for timber and steel assembly projects across Switzerland.
About Zaugg AG Rohrbach
Founded in 1936, Zaugg AG Rohrbach is based in Oberaargau and employs 150 people. The company specialises in timber and steel construction, carpentry, tinsmithing, heavy haulage, and crane logistics. With its U.S. subsidiary Zaugg Timber Solutions, the company has also expanded into the North American market since 2022.
