Mobile Crane Tonnage Requirements for Different Work Scenarios

The tonnage, or lifting capacity, of a mobile crane is its defining characteristic and must be precisely matched to the job's demands. Selecting the wrong tonnage can lead to project delays, safety hazards, or excessive costs. This guide outlines typical tonnage requirements for various work scenarios and provides specific model examples from leading international and Chinese manufacturers.

1. Work Scenarios and Corresponding Tonnage Ranges

Tonnage needs vary dramatically based on the weight of loads and working radius.

• Light Utility & Residential (Up to 25 Tons):
  • Scenario: HVAC installation, window/panel placement, small machinery moves in tight urban or suburban areas.
  • Key: High mobility and compact size are often more critical than raw lifting power.
• General Commercial Construction (25 - 70 Tons):
  • Scenario: Steel erection for low to mid-rise buildings, placing pre-cast concrete elements, setting industrial equipment within factories.
  • Key: This is the most common and versatile tonnage range, balancing capacity with road transportability.
• Heavy Industrial & Bridge Work (70 - 200 Tons):
  • Scenario: Placing bridge girders, installing large transformers in substations, refinery maintenance, setting heavy process vessels.
  • Key: Requires cranes with strong boom systems, multiple axles for stability, and often longer booms or jibs.
• Major Infrastructure & Wind Energy (200 - 500+ Tons):
  • Scenario: Erecting large wind turbine components (nacelles, towers), installing major bridge sections, setting large modules in petrochemical plants.
  • Key: Demands high-capacity all-terrain or truck cranes, often with sophisticated counterweight and super-lift systems.
• Mega Projects & Heavy Lift (500+ Tons):
  • Scenario: Installing nuclear reactor components, lifting entire refinery columns, major offshore module installations.
  • Key: The domain of the largest all-terrain and lattice boom truck cranes, requiring extensive planning and setup.

2. Representative Models by Tonnage Class

Specific models illustrate the capabilities within each tonnage bracket.

International Brand Models

• Liebherr (Germany):
  • LTM 1040-2.1: 40-ton class, compact for urban work.
  • LTM 1160-5.2: 160-ton class, versatile for heavy industry.
  • LTM 1500-8.1: 500-ton class, for major infrastructure.
• Tadano (Japan):
  • ATF 60G-3: 60-ton class, rough-terrain capability.
  • ATF 220-5: 220-ton class, all-terrain for heavy lifts.
• Grove (USA):
  • GMK3055: 55-ton class, nimble all-terrain.
  • GMK5150L: 150-ton class, long-boom capability.

Chinese Brand Models

• XCMG (徐工集团):
  • QY25K5C: 25-ton class, entry-level workhorse.
  • QY70KC: 70-ton class, for general construction.
  • XCA1200: 1200-ton class, ultra-large all-terrain crane.
• SANY (三一重工):
  • SAC2200T: 220-ton class, truck crane.
  • SAC6500T7: 650-ton class, large all-terrain.
• Zoomlion (中联重科):
  • ZTC250V: 25-ton class.
  • ZTC800V: 80-ton class.
  • ZAT1800H: 1800-ton class, one of the world's largest.

Scenario, Tonnage, and Model Reference Table

Conclusion: Accurately determining the required crane tonnage is a fundamental step in project planning. It involves calculating not just the maximum load weight, but also the working radius, lift height, and potential use of jibs. For most common construction tasks, cranes in the 50 to 100-ton range are the workhorses. Chinese manufacturers like XCMG, SANY, and Zoomlion offer a dominant and cost-effective selection across low to ultra-high tonnages. International brands like Liebherr and Tadano are preferred for their advanced technology, reliability in complex lifts, and strong global support network in the medium to high tonnage segments. Always consult load charts and involve a qualified lift planner to ensure the selected crane's tonnage is adequate for the specific lift conditions.