The first AK 48 truck crane left the Böcker factory premises in Werne in summer 2024, expanding the machinery of Theo Milte Bedachungs GmbH. The family-run company from Castrop-Rauxel is investing in the largest model of the new crane generation in order to be optimally positioned for demanding roof renovations on large residential and industrial buildings.
The new AK 48 mounted on a DB Actros truck represents another milestone in the company's long-standing success story. The 26-tonner perfectly complements the machine fleet and is in the best of company alongside an AK 37 truck crane and three Böcker construction inclined lifts.
Pioneering technology and ease of use
The decision in favour of the AK 48 mobile crane was made due to its outstanding performance features and the technical innovations of the new crane generation. “The truck crane is perfectly tailored to the requirements of today's practice,” explains Managing Director Theo Milte. “It is well-designed down to the smallest detail. We are impressed by its sophisticated technology and the high level of automation during erection, levelling and operation. The ease of use is outstanding thanks to the intelligent control system - anyone can operate a Böcker crane. What I consider as most impressive detail, is the new mast geometry with tower crane function. We can work very close to the building and telescope much faster.” The crane's high load potential is also impressive: “Everything that is high, heavy and far away is part of our daily business. We are particularly impressed by the high performance of the AK 48 and its low weight,” continues Milte.
For large projects and confined spaces
With extension lengths of up to 48 m (opt. 52 m), the AK 48 truck crane is ideal for use on large construction sites, such as the renovation of hall roofs, industrial buildings or huge residential construction projects. Enormous outreach and payloads up to 3 t make it an indispensable support. The new addition at Milte is equipped with a two-fall operation for even greater payloads up to 6 t for lifting heavy surface treatment machines onto parking decks. With its minimal size and maximum performance values, the AK 48 meets all requirements for challenging worksites. “The decisive factor for us is that the crane does not require an extendable counterweight. It delivers maximum performance with minimal superstructure dimensions. It can also work supported on only two sides and requires little space for load distribution,” adds Milte.
Outstanding speed of the new crane generation
Another advantage of the new AK 48 is its high speed. The powerful hydraulic system ensures rapid setup, a hook speed of 60 m/min and a high working velocity. The time savings have convinced Milte: “The faster we lift and transport the material, the better our performance on the roof surface.”
Fully equipped with new platform and BöckerConnect customer portal
Equipped with the new PK 350-DO access platform, the Böcker AK 48 will not only be used by Theo Milte as a mobile crane, but also as a working platform. With a load capacity of up to 350 kg, tools can be transported to working heights of up to 45.7 m. Thanks to the fully opening front, the working area is freely accessible, while the platform also serves as anchorage point for up to three people. Milte's new truck crane is also connected to the BöckerConnect digital customer portal. By recording and evaluating usage data, the use of the crane can be optimized.
Ideal addition to the fleet
In combination with the AK 37, Milte is ideally positioned to master all roof renovation, pollutant removal and industrial installation projects. “In addition to the AK 48, we are keeping the AK 37 in our portfolio. We use it for single-family house construction and pitched roofs as well as for the installation of photovoltaics. We plan to use the new AK 48 for construction sites where we have to lift more than one tonne. One example is flat roof renovations, where a lot of spoil is produced during demolition. You need high performance here,” says Milte about the perfect interaction between the two cranes.
Further information on Böcker truck cranes can be found here.
