1.6 metric tons over 20 meters
AK 48e Truck Crane Demonstrates Its Capabilities in Wood-Frame Construction in the Old Town
Narrow alleys, a narrow vacant lot, and minimal space—constructing a wood-frame residential building in the heart of Lüdinghausen’s historic old town presented all those involved with exciting challenges. During the three-day trial, the Böcker AK 48e truck crane impressed the contractor, Tischlerei & Holzbau Hüser GmbH & Co. KG, with its compact dimensions, long range, and electric drive system, which ensured quiet crane operation between the residential buildings.
The new building was constructed on a vacant lot within the densely built-up city center near the pedestrian zone. Even the approach required the utmost precision: The crane had to be maneuvered through narrow old-town alleys to the construction site and then set up on a driveway just 3.07 m wide, right next to the neighboring building.
Adjustable support technology for maximum range
In the confined space, the versatile Böcker outrigger system demonstrated its strengths, allowing the crane to be set up safely and with optimized reach. Each individual outrigger was extended and positioned continuously—partly onto the driveways of neighboring properties, and partly without extension within the vehicle’s footprint. The reach preview, featuring sensor-based detection of outrigger extension, assisted the operator in setting up the crane in the best possible way. Thanks to optimal support geometry, every available centimeter of the setup area was utilized to ensure the crane’s stability and achieve maximum range for the more distant areas of the property.
Safety Through Sensor-Based Control
Among the heaviest structural elements were the seven exterior walls, each approximately 415 mm thick—including the gable elements—which were installed directly adjacent to the neighboring buildings. Preventive fire protection, moisture protection, wood-fiber insulation, and a rear-ventilated Compactplatten facade—due to the multi-layered wall construction, each element weighed approximately 1.6 metric tons. In addition, the truck crane lifted seven more exterior walls—which would later be visible—weighing 950 kg each, as well as all interior walls and five ceiling panel elements made of cross-laminated timber, each weighing approximately 485 kg, into place.
To efficiently position the heavy exterior walls on the rear side of the building, the AK 48e had to lift the 1.6-metric-ton load diagonally across the entire property, a distance of up to 20 meters. With the help of sensors installed in the boom and outriggers, the crane control system continuously monitored the crane’s stability. Depending on the outrigger configuration, suspended load, boom length, and boom position, the system automatically authorized the safe working area and actively assisted the operator in utilizing the maximum possible outreach. The long range made it possible to safely assemble the entire building from a single crane location. This eliminated the need for repositioning and shortened assembly times.
The AK 48e’s powerful Hydraulic system and electric winch also ensured rapid construction progress, guaranteeing a fast hook speed of 60 m/min and a high work pace when performing all crane functions.
Electric Drive for Downtown Operations
The test run in Lüdinghausen’s old town impressively demonstrated the strengths of the electric Böcker AK 48e, which was voted “Product of the Year 2026” by readers of the industry portal buildingnet.de. The AK 48e’s new drive concept combines the advantages of electric crane operation with the mobility of proven technology. Its carrier is conventionally powered by an internal combustion engine to ensure reliable travel to the construction site, while crane operations on site are performed purely electrically and flexibly without a power connection.
The crane operates with a powerful electric winch and is powered by a 30 kWh battery that charges via either a 230-volt or 400-volt connection. Thanks to energy recovery during load lowering and high battery capacity, the truck crane is designed to operate for a full workday without recharging. In battery mode, it offers more than eight hours of average operating time or 150 lifting operations with a 1,000 kg load at 35 m.
This drive concept of the AK 48e offers significant advantages, particularly on construction sites in residential areas. The virtually silent crane operation reduces the impact on residents, improves working conditions on the construction site, and enables use even in areas where noise and emissions control are playing an increasingly important role. At the same time, the AK 48e combines its electric drive technology with the compact design and long range typical of Böcker cranes.
Powerful all the way to the tip of the boom
In addition to its electric drive, the AK 48e also impressed with its performance. It lifts payloads of up to 3 t (optional: 6 t) and offers boom lengths of over 48 m (optional: 52 m). The 14-meter jib, which is hydraulically extendible under load via radio remote control, can support a weight of up to one metric ton even when in a horizontal and fully extended position. This made it possible to secure even the heavy, large-format exterior walls directly to the delivery truck and lift them immediately to their final installation location without the need for temporary storage. This approach reduced the space required on the construction site and accelerated the entire construction process.
A Comprehensive Package for Wood Construction
The project in Lüdinghausen demonstrates that the AK 48e truck crane opens up new possibilities for timber construction companies when installing prefabricated wall and ceiling elements. The combination of electric crane operation and high load capacity makes the Böcker AK 48e a cost-effective solution for demanding installation projects. Even on hard-to-reach construction sites, large elements can be lifted into position safely, quickly, and cost-effectively. Fewer repositioning operations, shorter installation times, and reduced physical strain on employees help make construction processes more efficient—especially where large prefabricated elements must be moved safely under cramped conditions.
Performance Specifications for the AK 48e Truck Crane
| Max. Payload | 3 t (6 t in Two-line operation) |
| Max. Boom Length | 49 m (52 m with boom extension) |
| Hook Speed | 60 m/min |
| Crane Drive | Fully electric with battery |
| Battery capacity | 30 kWh, battery operation for a full workday |
| Charging options | 230 V and 400 V |
| Winch | electric with energy recovery |
| Special features | buildingnet.de Product of the Year 2026 |
Böcker Truck Cranes
AK 48e
Steel-Aluminum Truck Crane
