Watch this: first Liebherr 710 HC-L luffing crane erected on MoMA Tower jobsite

The first Liebherr luffing crane 710 HC-L 32/64 Litronic has been erected on the MoMA Tower jobsite in New York City and has just started its work. Together with a second 710 HC‑L (that will be delivered mid 2016) the two tower cranes will help to build the 76-story building in Midtown Manhattan. With a height of 320 m (1,050 feet), the skyscraper will be one of the highest buildings in the city. Both cranes are leased from the North American Liebherr dealer Morrow to the contractor Sorbara Construction, Lynbrook, New York.

MoMA Tower is one of New York's most anticipated building projects this decade, with its innovative design, structural features and location. According to Liebherr, it is fitting that the crane to be used to build the tower is the 710 HC-L – the highly anticipated luffing jib tower crane debuted in North America in late 2015. Sorbara Construction was awarded the high-profile project and sought Morrow's expertise and innovation in tower crane services for this high-profile project. Morrow provides Sorbara with support, planning, crane erection assistance and field services.

Sorbara was looking for a high-capacity tower crane that featured fast load cycles, a low external profile and clean operation. The 710 HC-L arrived in North America just in time to meet the needs of contractors in high-density urban environments. The company leased two 710 HC‑L luffing jib cranes from Morrow and the first crane was erected within 17 hours of delivery to the jobsite, keeping Sorbara on schedule and under budget for this phase of the project. This crane will have a 45-m (148-foot) working radius and will climb to 131 m (430 feet).

The second 710 HC-L crane will be erected during the summer of 2016. This luffing jib crane will have a 60-m (197-foot) working radius and will climb to 216 m (711 feet). This crane will be mounted on a platform outside the building on the 20th floor and climb to a height of 320 m (1,050 feet). The first crane will be used to erect the second crane and when the first crane has completed its tasks, the second crane will dismantle the first crane.

Located at 53 W 53rd Street, the MoMA Tower will be 76 stories at 320 m (1,050 feet) tall and house 139 luxury apartments. The 710 HC-L will be integral in the construction of the tower, helping place 7,357 tons of reinforcing steel and 48,850 cubic yards (37.348 cubic metres) of concrete. When completed, MoMA Tower will bring 676,000 gross square feet (628,025 square metres) of mixed-use space to downtown Manhattan.

World-renowned architect Jean Novel's design will be a masterpiece that integrates with the Museum of Modern Art located next door. This integration extends into the Tower where three floors are to be designated as MoMA art gallery spaces. General contractor Sorbara is well known in New York for concrete superstructures including: 1 World Trade Center Freedom Tower, AOL-Time Warner, 7 World Trade Center and Hearst Headquarters among other projects.

Together the MoMA Tower and Liebherr 710 HC-L will rise above New York's skyline in a graceful embrace of design, form and structure.

“We are impressed with the Liebherr 710 HC-L. We are very confident that the combination of Morrow Equipment and Liebherr along with the 710 HC-L will help us complete this prestigious project on time,” said William Kell, Sorbara Chief Estimator.