Mobile Crane Key Specifications for Different Application Scenarios

Selecting a mobile crane involves analyzing key technical parameters beyond just lifting capacity. Specifications such as boom length, maximum tip height, transport dimensions, and engine power determine a crane's suitability for a specific job. This guide details these critical parameters for models from leading international and Chinese brands, tailored to common application scenarios.

1. Key Crane Parameters and Their Importance

Understanding these specs is essential for matching a crane to the job.

• Maximum Lifting Capacity (Tons): The cornerstone parameter, indicating the heaviest load the crane can lift under ideal conditions (short radius, minimum boom).
• Main Boom Length (Meters): Determines the horizontal and vertical reach. A longer boom is needed for tall buildings or wide sites.
• Maximum Tip Height (Meters): The furthest vertical reach achievable with main boom and luffing jib combined. Critical for high-rise construction and wind turbines.
• Number of Axles / Transport Length (Meters): Impacts road mobility. More axles distribute weight for legal transport but increase length and reduce maneuverability.
• Engine Power (kW/hp): Provides the necessary power for hoisting, travel, and simultaneous operations, especially important for high-capacity and all-terrain cranes.

2. Model Specifications by Application Scenario

Specifications are compared across models designed for urban, general construction, and heavy-lift scenarios.

A. Urban / Tight Access Scenario

Focus: Compact size, good capacity for size, fast setup.

• XCMG QY25K5C (China - Truck Crane):
  • Capacity: 25 Tons
  • Main Boom: 34.5m
  • Max Tip Height: ~42m (with jib)
  • Axles: 3
  • Transport Length: ~12m
• Liebherr LTM 1040-2.1 (Germany - All-Terrain):
  • Capacity: 40 Tons
  • Main Boom: 35m
  • Max Tip Height: 44m
  • Axles: 2
  • Transport Length: ~11.5m
  • Engine Power: 240 kW

B. General Construction / Industrial Scenario

Focus: Balanced capacity, reach, and mobility.

• Zoomlion ZTC800V (China - Truck Crane):
  • Capacity: 80 Tons
  • Main Boom: 44m
  • Max Tip Height: ~58m (with jib)
  • Axles: 5
  • Transport Length: ~14.5m
• Tadano ATF 100G-4 (Japan - All-Terrain):
  • Capacity: 100 Tons
  • Main Boom: 48m
  • Max Tip Height: 70m
  • Axles: 4
  • Engine Power: 390 kW

C. Heavy Lift / Wind Farm Scenario

Focus: Extreme capacity, height, and advanced features.

• SANY SAC22000T (China - All-Terrain):
  • Capacity: 2,200 Tons
  • Main Boom: 102.5m (Telescopic)
  • Max Tip Height: 150m+ (with luffing jib)
  • Axles: 9
  • Engine Power: Dual engines, ~470kW total
• Liebherr LTM 11200-9.1 (Germany - All-Terrain):
  • Capacity: 1,200 Tons
  • Main Boom: 100m (Telescopic)
  • Max Tip Height: 180m (with Y-guyed jib)
  • Axles: 9
  • Engine Power: 680 kW

Mobile Crane Key Parameter Comparison Table

Scenario & Model	Max Capacity (Tons)	Main Boom Length	Max Tip Height	Carrier Axles	Key Application Note
Urban: XCMG QY25K5C	25	34.5m	~42m	3	Compact, ideal for HVAC, small steel lifts
Urban: Liebherr LTM 1040-2.1	40	35m	44m	2	Highly mobile, fast setup, all-terrain capability
General: Zoomlion ZTC800V	80	44m	~58m	5	Versatile for mid-rise buildings, industrial work
General: Tadano ATF 100G-4	100	48m	70m	4	Excellent reach & capacity, good site mobility
Heavy: SANY SAC2200T	220	~80m	~110m	5	Bridge girders, heavy plant equipment
Wind Farm: Liebherr LTM 11200-9.1	1,200	100m	180m	9	Mega wind turbines, major infrastructure
Mega Project: XCMG XCA1800	1,800	102.5m+	~150m+	9	World-class capacity for largest wind turbines & modules

3. Interpreting Parameters for Selection

• Capacity vs. Radius: Always check the load chart. A 100-ton crane may only lift 10 tons at its maximum radius.
• Transport Constraints: Verify if the crane's transport length, width, and weight comply with local road regulations for movement between sites.
• Site Conditions: For soft ground, consider a crane with more axles (better weight distribution) or a rough-terrain model.
• Future Needs: Selecting a crane with slightly larger parameters (e.g., longer boom) than currently required can offer valuable flexibility.

Conclusion: Effective crane selection requires a detailed analysis of key parameters—capacity, boom length, tip height, and carrier configuration—in the context of the specific application. For urban work, compact dimensions are paramount. For general construction, a balance of reach and capacity is key. For heavy and wind farm applications, extreme height and lifting power define the choice. Both Chinese and international brands offer models with impressive specifications; the final decision often involves weighing these parameters against factors like total cost of ownership, technology features (e.g., precise control systems), and local service support.