The strong global demand for large cranes has been shaping Wolffkran’s product development strategy for years and is also reflected in the exhibits at this year’s bauma. The five-member bauma pack is completed by a powerful new luffing jib crane: the WOLFF 550 B. It stands out for its high lifting capacity and flexibility.

“Our customers are increasingly requesting cranes in the 500 to 600 mt range for infrastructure projects, industrial plants, and data centers. Despite a weak economic outlook, there is still a lot of construction happening in these sectors,” says Mohamed Abouelezz, Head of Business Development and Product Management. “That's why we decided to launch a new, powerful luffing jib crane that strategically enhances our product portfolio between the proven WOLFF 355 B and the WOLFF 630 B.

Initially, the WOLFF 550 B will be launched with a 110-kW hoist winch, enabling a maximum lifting capacity of 30 tons in two-fall operation and 15 tons in single-fall mode. At the top of its maximum 65-meter jib, it can lift 5.0 tons. “These lifting capacities are market- leading in this crane class,” says Abouelezz. “By the end of the year, we'll be raising the bar even further by offering the 550 B with a more powerful hoist winch, with which the luffing jib crane can lift up to 36 tons in two-fall operation. Additionally, there will be a US version with a 132-kW hoist winch.”

The WOLFF 550 B offers a hook path of 920 m (single-fall) or 460 meters (two-fall) and a lifting speed of up to 200 meters per minute. It comes standard with a 2.3-m tower connection, allowing freestanding heights of nearly 52 meters. When mounted on a 2.9-m tower, it can reach up to 82.2 m without additional support, making it an excellent choice for high-rise projects. Moreover, the WOLFF 550 B is perfectly compatible with Wolffkran’s KSH 23 internal climbing frame, enabling the crane to climb nearly 27 meters in a single phase – significantly more than the 15.5 meters achieved by the standard climbing system. The KSH 23 reduces time considerably and lowers costs.

The new WOLFF luffing jib crane becomes fully suitable for high-rise construction thanks to the Flex Cab cabin, which can be mounted either on the right or left side of the crane. What was previously only available as a special customer request is now standard equipment on the WOLFF 550 B. “We listen closely to what our customers want,” says Abouelezz. “It might seem trivial which side the crane cabin is on, but in day-to-day construction, such details can make a difference.” The flexibly mountable cabin simplifies construction site planning and is particularly beneficial for cranes that need to be climbed down after construction.

In addition to numerous new products, there will be another premiere at the Wolffkran bauma booth: To demonstrate the Flex Cab, the WOLFF 550 B will become the first crane showcased with two cabins. The new luffing jib crane will be available for order starting in June and is expected to be launched in Europe, the US, and the Middle East later this year.