The World’s Biggest, Strongest and Tallest Cranes

When it comes to the biggest and strongest machines in construction, cranes usually both outweigh and out-power every single piece of heavy lifting equipment in the yard. These powerhouses of the construction world help make what seems impossible possible, often lifting other pieces of heavy machinery into place. Some of the world’s largest construction companies use these mega machines to build mega structures; let’s take a look at three of the biggest, strongest and ultimately 'nastiest' cranes in the world.

Tadano GR-1450EX-2

The number three spot in terms of lifting power on the ground has to go to the GR-1450EX-2, a rough-terrain crane developed by the Japanese company Tadano. This conventional lifting rig has less than conventional specs when it comes to lifting power. Weighing in at over 145 tonnes, this monster of a crane features three axels to provide a sturdy yet manoeuvrable base of function, combined with a six-axle, single cylinder telescopic boom that spans 61 metres. Using its two-stage lattice hydraulic tilt-jib that bi-folds, this mega crane adds an impressive 18 metres to the existing 61-metre main boom arm. Impressive.

Featuring Tadano’s custom Hello-Net remote controls system integrated as standard, the GR-1450EX-2 is able to feed telemetry data to a computer or mobile device for a full diagnostics and operational integrity report in the palm of your hands. While cranes with the lifting power of this puppy are not all that common, it’s becoming hugely important for fleet and site managers to know exactly what operations are going on with their machines. This means a more efficient worksite and also enables them maintain the highest level of safety on the job.

Taisun

The second super crane on our list is the ol’ Gantry Crane 2.0. Also named the Taisun, after the biggest mountain in the Shandong province of China, this gantry crane features the ability lift over 20,000 tonnes in a single shot. After taking over seven years to arrange and plan, it took a further year to be constructed and tested. Once put into work, it lifts an average of 7-10,000 tonnes per lift and is able to operate quickly and with an efficiency that is unmatchable for a gantry crane.

The Taisun is the world’s strongest crane available today, and with its ability to be able to lift over 10,000 cars in a single lift, you can see how it made a name for itself in the world of heavy lifting equipment. This beast of a machine is built for the single purpose of lifting semi submersibles in the Yantai Raffles shipyard in Shandong. Holding the Guinness World Record for the heaviest weight ever lifted by a crane, Taisun is a formidable force in lifting.

Kockums Crane

 

The world’s biggest crane in existence today in terms of sheer size is still considered to be the Kockums Crane. This mega crane was built in 1973 in Sweden to be used in the Malmo docks as its main heavy lifting crane. Used to build over 75 ships in its time, the Kockums Crane stands at a height of 138 metres, with a rail width of 175 metres and features a rail length of a staggering 710 metres. These large numbers do not take away from the Kockums ability to lift heavy loads at such a height, with regular lifts of 1,500 tonnes made easy. The Kockums was later sold to Hyundai Heavy Industries and now resides in Ulsan, South Korea where it stands tall above the crowd to still be crowned the king of all cranes.

 

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Technology & Mobile Cranes

The mobile crane has become an increasingly popular machine in industry, and it is becoming the preferred option as far as cranes and lifting equipment go. These machines are used greatly in construction to shift building materials, while warehouses and factories make use of them to load and unload. Depending on the industry they are operating in, companies’ lifting demands are somewhat diverse, so utilising a versatile crane that can be used to complete many tasks is a priority. New technology has allowed for this. We look at some of the latest developments in mobile crane technology below.

Mobile Crane

The multi-functionality of the mobile crane is one of its best characteristics. It can travel long distances to work sites, and its all wheel drive capability allows it to function well in just about any terrain conditions. Like with all cranes, new technology has been developed to make the operation of this machine more straightforward and convenient. Best of all, it’s lower operating costs too.

A mobile crane is usually a wire controlled machine mounted on a truck or rubber-tired carriers. There is a telescopic boom on the truck platform fitted with hydraulic power, chains and a control panel, so it has the ability to lift heavy loads.

Advanced telescoping or lattice boom capable cranes can be operated in diverse areas for difficult lifting purposes. New Auto Cat technology has enabled them to function faster and more smoothly. Modern cranes are also built with improved safety features, which is possibly the biggest priority in the manufacturing of machinery.

Lifting Equipments

Another recent technological advancement that has been extremely beneficial has been GPS tracking systems. Installed into the crane, this provides information about distance traveled for fuel consumption and regulatory compliance. If you've hired a large number of cranes, GPS systems also allow the tracking of their locations and status. In the case of mobile cranes, which often travel long-distances, it can be very helpful to know exactly where the machine is at all times.

Quicklift utilises these features and has a modern fleet consisting of more than 20 well maintained machines. Technological advances are being developed all the time and we are committed to providing these advantages to our customers. Not only that, but our team will guide you through every step of the process to help you get the right crane for the job and get the work done on-site as quickly and safely as possible. 

Quality Machines and Great Service

The specialist team at QuickLift are dedicated to providing our clients with quality and reliable equipment that is ideal for their requirements. With a huge fleet that includes truck mounted cranes, franna cranes forklifts and more, we have established a loyal customer-base that recognises the quality of our equipment. But we also understand that customer service goes a long way; it’s not just what you’re getting, it’s who you’re getting it from too.

Servicing all over Victoria, QuickLift provides crane hire services that are catered directly to the needs of our clients. This means that we work closely with you to understand what is required, the time frame and what you’re looking to get out of the work. Because we deal with people from all kinds of different industries, our clients’ understanding of lifting equipment differs substantially. Our experienced team will run you through your options and help you find the most cost-effective solution.

There are various machines that are suited to different jobs, so it’s important to let us know all the information so that we can make accurate recommendations. Cranes not only vary in height and lifting capacity, but some are better suited for job in certain positions. For instance, All Terrain cranes are all wheel drive, so they’re generally able to tackle any types of terrain. On the other hand, they might not be as useful as a city crane in tighter, confined areas. Which crane is suitable just depends on the situation and location, but we can guarantee that we’ll have the right crane for your job.

After that, it’s a matter of getting the job done. Our operators have years of experience working with cranes and forklifts, so you can be sure you’ll be dealing with someone that knows how to get the most out of these machines. All work conducted complies with current standards and Work Safe guidelines, giving you peace of mind. We’re all aware of safety procedures and in the unlikely event that something does go wrong, we’re fully insured for any damage caused.

As well as crane and forklift hire, QuickLift can also handle your transportation and rigging needs. If you’re looking to purchase used equipment, we can accommodate you in some instances. Please feel free to check out our website for more information about our services or give our Shepparton office a call. We’d be happy to have a chat about your needs!

Our Cranes and Their Uses

With so many cranes available for hire, it can be confusing figuring out which is most appropriate for your job. While the Quicklift team will advise you about which machine is bet, it pays to know a little about these cranes yourself. This article provides some information about the major differences of cranes used in the industry.

Mini Crawler Cranes

True to their name, Mini Crawler Cranes are smaller than the majority of cranes and can therefore be useful in a confined space. These mini crawl cranes are flexible due to their size, but their lifting capacity is still very impressive. If you are looking to lift something through a doorway or in a confined or fenced off outdoor area, the mini crawler crane is probably your best bet. They are particularly useful in backyards and warehouses.

 

All Terrain Cranes
The All Terrain Crane is one of the most important industrial cranes. Because it is an all-wheel drive vehicle, it is particularly effective when used on harsh terrains and uneven construction sites and areas. The mobile crane holds the advantage of being able to lift very heavy items while also being very versatile in terms of location. This makes it to being one of the most efficient and effective cranes in the business. These cranes are often seen at work in communication towers, industrial refurnishing lifts, concrete panels and steel erections. Theses cranes are available in 2 models, the 60 tonne unit and the 80 tonne unit.

 

Truck Mounted Cranes
If you’re looking for a powerful crane that has the ability to travel long distances to the job site, this might be the crane you’re looking for. This crane is able to travel long distances,and is very versatile due to its long boom length and fly, slewing capabilities and clear visibility for the driver. This crane is suitable for concrete panel erection, steel erection, lifting swimming pools, as well as lifting and placing portable buildings.

 

City Cranes
A city crane has the ideal dimensions and mobility capabilities for work on inner city roads and buildings. This crane is considered one of the most versatile slewing cranes and is suitable for both domestic and commercial demands. This is appropriate for lifting construction and other heavy items onto roofs, lifting and placing equipment inside factories, as lifting and placing steelwork at construction job sites.

 

Franna Cranes
Afranna crane is one of the most highly efficient cranes available today. It is considered very efficient in terms of cost and time. The crane holds and advantageous position of articulating in the centre thus providing the crane an excellent control. This control gives the crane flexibility in round confined areas. These cranes are often used for installing factory machinery and equipment, relocating trees, domestic lifting and construction site loads.

 

Crane Trucks
If you’re looking for a crane that has the ability to lift and transport a load long distances on public roads, this might be the crane you’re looking for. Sometimes called Self Loading Vehicle Cranes, these cranes are a conventional truck with a crane mounted at the front or rear of the tray. This crane type is suitable for loading and transporting concrete products, steel, shipping containers and portable buildings.

Choosing the Right Crane Hire Service

If you’re managing a construction site, involved with factory maintenance or overseeing a civil project, you will understand how important it is to have safe and reliable lifting equipment on hand. While many elements of construction work can be handled with physical labour, most of the major tasks require the use of cranes, forklifts and other lifting equipment. Given how much you rely on these machines, you need to be certain that the company that supplies them, understands your needs, and won’t let you down.

Among other things, cranes are used to lift and lower heavy objects, shift construction materials, load and unload freight and assemble heavy equipment. Ultimately, they move loads that would otherwise be very difficult to move.

Cranes are available in a range of types and sizes, with each crane suited to different types of work.Quality crane hire service providers usually have a large fleet of crane options, and can advise you of the most appropriate for your job.Some popular mobile cranes for construction purposes include all-terrain cranes (very manoeuvrable, with large lifting capacities), truck mounted cranes (useful when travelling long distances to worksites), franna cranes (shifting loads on site), city cranes and mini cranes (versatile and used for smaller jobs with limited space). Plus, with the advancement of modern technology, cranes now have electronic load management systems providing additional levels of safety.

Having access to quality lifting equipment is one thing; having quality personnel to operate it is quite another. When lifting and moving activities are carried out, safety should be your prime concern. Poor handling of these machines can have disastrous effects from a safety – and legal – perspective. It is vitalto have highly trained operators that ensure your job is completed in the safest manner possible, while keeping to your schedule.

Areputable crane hire service provides trained professionals that understand your needs and work with you to achieve the right result. All the work conducted by the company should comply with the relevant Australian Standards and Worksafe guidelines. The experience and professionalism of the crew should also be taken into consideration to be sure the service is of the highest quality and safety standards.

That’s why it’s so important and advantageous to work with a quality crane hire service provider, and why you should take great care when selecting one. Make sure you read reviews and do your research about the qualifications and track record of a company before you hire their services. You’ll thank yourself for doing your homework in the long run.