Mobile Crane Models for Different Work Scenarios

Mobile cranes (truck-mounted cranes) are categorized primarily by their lifting capacity, which directly corresponds to their suitability for different job sites. From small-scale utility work to heavy industrial and infrastructure projects, selecting the correct crane model is critical for safety and efficiency. This guide outlines common work scenarios and lists representative models from leading international and Chinese manufacturers.

1. Work Scenarios and Corresponding Crane Capacities

The required lifting capacity dictates the crane model selection.

• Urban Utility & Light Construction (Up to 25 Tons):
  • Scenario: Installing HVAC units, material handling on tight urban sites, small equipment placement.
  • Typical Crane: Small telescopic cranes on a 2 or 3-axle carrier.
• General Construction & Building (25 - 80 Tons):
  • Scenario: Steel erection for mid-rise buildings, concrete panel placement, industrial maintenance.
  • Typical Crane: The most common class of mobile cranes, offering a balance of capacity, reach, and road mobility.
• Heavy Industrial & Infrastructure (80 - 200 Tons):
  • Scenario: Bridge girder placement, power plant component installation, large vessel setting.
  • Typical Crane: Larger multi-axle cranes with extensive boom and jib systems.
• Heavy Lift & Megaprojects (200+ Tons):
  • Scenario: Refinery module lifts, wind turbine installation (larger models), major infrastructure projects.
  • Typical Crane: High-capacity all-terrain or truck cranes, often with super-lift attachments.

2. Leading International Brands and Models

These brands are known for technological leadership, global service, and premium performance.

• Liebherr (Germany): A top-tier manufacturer of all-terrain and truck cranes.
  • Models: LTM 1050-3.1 (50 tons), LTM 1160-5.2 (160 tons), LTM 1500-8.1 (500 tons).
• Tadano (Japan): World leader in rough-terrain and truck cranes.
  • Models: ATF 100G-4 (100 tons), ATF 220-5 (220 tons).
• Grove (USA - part of Manitowoc): Renowned for all-terrain cranes.
  • Models: GMK3055 (55 tons), GMK5150L (150 tons).
• Demag (Germany - part of Terex): Historic brand for high-capacity mobile cranes.
  • Models: AC 45 City (45 tons), AC 100-4L (100 tons).

3. Leading Chinese Brands and Models

Chinese manufacturers dominate the global market in volume, offering excellent value and a wide capacity range.

• XCMG (徐工集团): The world's largest crane manufacturer.
  • Models: QY25K5C (25 tons), QY70KC (70 tons), XCA1300 (All-Terrain, 1300 tons).
• SANY (三一重工): A major global competitor with advanced technology.
  • Models: SAC2200T (220 tons), SAC6500T7 (650 tons).
• Zoomlion (中联重科): A top-tier manufacturer with a full product line.
  • Models: ZTC250V (25 tons), ZTC800V (80 tons), ZAT1800H (All-Terrain, 1800 tons).
• LiuGong (柳工): Known for robust construction machinery.
  • Models: TC250C5 (25 tons), TC750C5 (75 tons).
• Foton (福田雷萨): Specializes in integrated crane truck manufacturing.
  • Models: STC250T (25 tons).

Crane Model Selection by Scenario Table

Conclusion: The mobile crane model is selected based on the maximum load weight, required radius/height, and site accessibility. For light urban work, compact 25-ton models are standard. General construction relies heavily on the versatile 50-100 ton class. For heavy industrial and infrastructure projects, cranes from 150 to 500+ tons are essential. While international brands (Liebherr, Tadano) lead in advanced technology and operator comfort for the premium market, Chinese brands (XCMG, SANY, Zoomlion) have achieved global dominance, offering competitive models across all capacity ranges and pushing the limits in ultra-high-capacity all-terrain cranes.