5 Biggest Cranes in the World

Sarens 250 - Big Carl
Sarens 250 - Big Carl

Cranes have been instrumental in construction for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations like Egypt and Greece used simple, human-powered cranes to build impressive structures like the pyramids and temples. The Industrial Revolution brought significant advancements, introducing steam, electric, and hydraulic-powered cranes that vastly improved lifting capacity and precision.

1 Sarens SGC-250 (Big Carl)

The Sarens SGC-250, commonly referred to as “Big Carl,” is a remarkable feat of engineering and the largest land-based crane in the world. Launched in 2018, this crane is designed to meet the demanding requirements of heavy lifting across various sectors, particularly in renewable energy projects. It is a ring crane, meaning it operates on a circular base, allowing for complete 360-degree rotations during lifting operations.

Height: 250 meters

Lifting Capacity: 5,200 tons

Boom Length: Up to 100 meters

Weight: Approximately 1,600 tons when fully assembled

Transport Configuration: Modular design for global mobility

2 Liebherr LR 13000

Liebherr is a global leader in the manufacturing of construction machinery, particularly cranes. The company is renowned for its cutting-edge technology and high-quality engineering, producing cranes that meet the demanding needs of industries such as construction, energy, and logistics.

Height: 245 meters

Lifting Capacity: 3,000 tons

Boom Length: Up to 96 meters

Counterweight Capacity: Up to 1,200 tons

Crawler Width: 6.5 meters for stability

Weight: Approximately 1,200 tons when fully equipped

3 Terex Demag CC 8800-1

Terex specializes in a wide range of lifting equipment, including mobile and crawler cranes, recognized for their reliability and performance across various applications. Their cranes are designed to handle heavy loads efficiently while ensuring safety and versatility on job sites.

Height: Up to 240 meters

Lifting Capacity: 1,600 tons

Boom Length: Configurable up to 84 meters

Counterweight: Maximum of 1,200 tons

Main Boom Angle: Adjustable from 45° to 88°

Weight: Approximately 1,600 tons when fully assembled

Transport Configuration: Modular design for easy transportation

4 Liebherr LTM 1500-8.1

Height: Up to 84 meters (with telescopic boom)

Lifting Capacity: 500 tons

Weight: Approximately 96 tons (in transport configuration)

Notes: A powerful all-terrain crane known for its mobility and lifting capabilities across various job sites.

Liebherr Crane LTM 1500-8.1
Liebherr 15000 at a construction site

5 Demag AC 700

Demag is a leading manufacturer of lifting and material handling equipment, established in 1819. Renowned for its innovative technology and high-quality engineering, Demag specializes in mobile cranes, overhead cranes, and customized lifting solutions. With a global presence and extensive support network, the company is committed to delivering reliable performance and safety across various industries.

Height: Up to 60 meters (with telescopic boom)

Lifting Capacity: 700 tons

Weight: Approximately 108 tons (in transport configuration)

Notes: This all-terrain crane is recognized for its robust design and ability to maneuver in challenging environments.

Credit image

Construction Index

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