How to choose the right crane for your project
A complete guide to selecting the right crane type based on load, height, terrain, and budget. Practical advice from experienced engineers.
Choosing the right lifting equipment is one of the most important technical decisions in any construction or industrial project. The wrong choice can lead to extra costs, delays, and even safety risks. This guide helps you make the right call.
Key factors when selecting a crane
1. Load weight
The first step is determining the maximum weight you need to lift, including rigging gear such as slings, spreader beams, and hooks. A safety margin of at least 25% above the nominal load is recommended.
- Under 100 tonnes: all-terrain mobile cranes
- 100-500 tonnes: high-capacity mobile cranes or crawler cranes
- Over 500 tonnes: high-capacity crawler cranes or tandem configurations
2. Working height
The lifting height is a critical factor:
- Up to 50m: medium-capacity all-terrain mobile cranes
- 50-100m: high-capacity mobile cranes
- Over 100m: tower cranes or crawler cranes with auxiliary boom
3. Working radius
The horizontal distance from the crane center to the lifting point determines both the usable capacity and the equipment type required. Keep in mind that lifting capacity drops significantly at large radii, so always check the crane load chart.
4. Ground conditions
- Prepared ground (concrete, asphalt): almost any crane type
- Soft or sandy ground: crawler cranes, thanks to lower ground pressure
- Rough or sloped terrain: all-terrain cranes with advanced stabilization systems
- Inside buildings or in restricted areas: compact cranes or telehandlers
5. Duration and frequency of lifts
- One-off / occasional lift: all-terrain mobile crane for quick mobilization and optimized cost
- Long-term project (>1 month): tower crane for better operational efficiency
- Repeated lifts from the same point: tower crane or stationed crawler crane
Quick comparison: main crane types
| Criteria | All-Terrain | Crawler | Tower |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobilization | under 24h | 3-7 days | 5-14 days |
| Max capacity | 500t+ | 1000t+ | 25t |
| Max height | 100m | 120m+ | 200m+ |
| Difficult terrain | Medium | Excellent | Not applicable |
| Daily cost | Medium | High | Lower on long-term projects |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating the load weight: always include the rigging gear in the calculation
- Ignoring soil conditions: a mobile crane on soft ground may require extra support or ground preparation
- Planning without a site survey: obstacles such as power lines or adjacent buildings may reduce the working radius
- Choosing based only on price: savings on equipment can become expensive if the crane is not the right fit
Free technical consultation
At CB Cranes, every project starts with a detailed technical evaluation. Our engineers review the project specifications and recommend the best solution from both a technical and commercial perspective. Contact us for a free consultation.
Do you need a crane?
Contact the CB Cranes team for a free consultation and a tailored offer.