Proven Performance And Reliability of Rough Terrain Cranes

Rough terrain cranes of low, medium, and high tonnages are in demand by both crane rental agencies and construction companies for their growing use in sectors like refinery, power, steel, and cement, besides urban infrastructure development projects. What makes the RTs popular is their ability to travel over rough terrains and uneven, rocky grounds, their compact built which makes them suitable for lifting in confined spaces, their robust structure, safety features, ability to manoeuvre in tight spaces, and their less maintenance downtime. P.P. Basistha takes a look.

Liebherr Cranes India: Ensuring performance, safety, and reliability

Subhajit Chandra, Head - Liebherr Cranes India, says that encouraged by the strong brand recall of their cranes, their aim is to retain their existing customers in the RT segment, while also targeting niche application areas that demand higher safety and reliability.

“Our RT cranes have made good inroads into the cement, fertilizer and steel sectors for doing regular shutdown maintenance jobs, and we are also addressing segments like defense and power. We are pitching our higher capacity cranes - the LRT- 1090-2.1, 90-ton and the LRT 1100-2.1, 100-ton (that have been manufactured for both global and domestic markets), especially for use in specialized areas of application,” avers Chandra.

“Our RT cranes, built as per EN13000 standards, have shown our customers proven performance, safety and reliability, while factoring in their owning and operating costs. This is based on an analysis of data collected on all the performance parameters. They are now finding increasing application in bigger steel plants and also in mining. The cranes are compact with a robust design, high safety features, and have no critical restriction on axle loads."

“To enhance the safety of our 90 and 100-ton cranes, the derating of the cranes has been done keeping at least 75% as reserved load, and the load chart is configured accordingly. Liebherr’s unique Vario Base mechanism automatically calculates the load being lifted, given the axle load of the cranes and center of gravity, and the counterweight management system. This is irrespective of the arbitrary placement of the outriggers,” he adds. Liebherr’s new LRT series of RT cranes have a long OVI boom - similar to that of Liebherr’s all-terrain cranes. The OVI design features higher tensile steel strength while making the booms lighter. This enables the cranes to deliver better loads and remain stable while working.

“Liebherr India will continue to strengthen its technical support services with a B2B service team for rendering the requisite maintenance, service, and operator training of the cranes. The company is upgrading the training of its service personnel and operators in line with the newer versions of the RT cranes in,” informs Chandra.

Tadano India: Competing on performance, safety, fuel efficiency, and site adaptability

Abhijeet Narote, Head of Sales, Tadano Cranes India, informs that the Japanese mobile crane manufacturer is working towards making its rough cranes more attuned to Indian working conditions. It is taking a two-pronged approach towards this by first identifying key business segments and positioning its cranes accordingly.

“We are tapping high-demand zones like metro rails, smart cities, and bridges. We are also looking at refineries and petrochemical plants, steel, cement, and fertilizer plants that need the flexible mobility of these cranes during jobs required for facility expansion, maintenance, etc,” reveals Narote. The company is also increasing its local after-sales support by expanding its team of service engineers and increasing the supply of spare parts.

For the Indian market, Tadano offers the Tadano GR-700EX-4 (70-ton capacity) and GR-900EX-4 (90-ton capacity). These cranes are versatile, high performing, and compact, making them most suitable for demanding jobsite conditions. The GR-1450EX of 145-tons is the highest capacity Rough Terrain Crane which is fast becoming popular in India.

Tadano’s high-capacity rough terrain cranes have a compact footprint of61 m full power boom + 18 m jib. This enables them to work efficiently in congested job sites like metro projects, refineries, and power plants. “The cranes off-road performance with four steering modes makes them ideal for infrastructure and refinery terrains, and the compact dimensions allow easier inter-state transport under Indian regulations," informs Narote.

The 70- and 90-ton cranes are powered by Mitsubishi engines and equipped with Smart Technology like the Tadano Smart Chart and AML-E system for safer, more precise lifts. Additional features include boom telescopes using Tadano’s reliable system for smoother, quicker operation under load. An all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering (4WD / 4WS) enable exceptional off-road mobility—essential for sites like refineries, metros, mining, and other uneven terrains. Multiple steering modes (2WS, 4WS, and crab steering) help the cranes maneuver smoothly in tight spaces.

For effortless operation and maximum safety, the cranes feature real-time lifting capacity calculations, an intuitive touch screen with self-diagnostic and error detection capabilities, and joystick-controlled precision for boom and winch movements.

Safety and stability of the rough terrain cranes are established by a hydraulic suspension lock system and outrigger interlocks, an anti-two block system, load indicators, winch drum rotation indicators, an emergency stop, and operator override function. Optimum winch performance is delivered through high line pull and speed with powerful planetary winches and hydraulic braking system.

Models GR 700 EX-4, GR 900 EX-4, and GR 1450 EX come with dual winch options for tandem or long lifting applications. Auxiliary lifting sheaves, camera systems, lighting packages, and cold-climate packages are available for specific industry use as in refineries, power projects, and in tunneling construction.

"Tadano rough terrain cranes offer a competitive edge as regards performance, safety, fuel efficiency, site adaptability,and low maintenance. The company has made significant advancements in load configuration, counterweight flexibility, and transport optimization for higher lifting with lower axle loads and improved road ability, while reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO). The optimized counterweight design, modular and divisible counterweights instead of a single fixed block, and use of multiple, stackable counterweight slabs, allow operators to adjust configuration based on site or transport requirements like lightweight road configuration, maximum lift configuration, etc," informs Narote.

Tadano RT cranes like GR-700EX/GR-900EX-4 also excel in transport simplicity, moving as a single unit and offering competitive boom length-to-weight ratio. These features make Tadano cranes particularly well-suited for Indian EPC contractors and rental fleet owners looking for minimal logistical costs.

Tadano provides the requisite level of product support by maintaining a stock of essential spares like filters, seals, sensors, hydraulic components, etc in hubs like Bhiwandi,Thane. Quick import support through air freight is also provided by Tadano in Japan and Germany for non-stocked parts. The company’s digital parts catalogue - Tadano Parts Viewer – enables easy identification and ordering of parts.

Operators and technicians are trained in the new RT cranes, including usage of the AML-E system, boom operation, safety checks, etc, and maintenance training programs are also held for customers’ service teams on preventive care, early diagnostics, etc. The higher availability of the rough terrain cranes is also due to the company’s Telematics Monitoring (HELLO-NET) which enables remote diagnostics, predictive servicing, and usage monitoring, enabling the company’s service team to reach out to customers with timely preventive support."

SANY Heavy Industries India: Addressing Indian market requirements effectively

To promote sales of its mobile cranes, countering depressed hiring rates and rising costs, SANY is offering fuel-efficient machines, extended service intervals, and robust components that reduce lifecycle costs and is banking on its localized manufacturing ecosystem.

Says Sanjay Saxena, COO, Sany India,"Our localized manufacturing ecosystem enables us to provide affordable, easily available spare parts, ensuring minimum downtime. With one of the strongest after-sales networks in India, we guarantee reliable service support. In addition, we work closely with financing partners to offer flexible schemes, ensuring customers can maintain profitability even in a highly competitive rental market.”

Addressing the Indian market requirements, SANY has expanded its mobile crane portfolio across lower (25–50T), medium (80–150T), and heavy-duty (200T+) classes. "For urban infrastructure projects with restricted spaces, we have introduced compact, high-mobility truck cranes and all-terrain cranes with shorter turning radii, stronger lifting charts, and operator-friendly controls. For enabling the cranes to get the best load out, our mobile cranes are designed to fully comply with Indian road regulations while delivering superior lifting performance," he adds.

He informs that at the higher capacity end, SANY crawler cranes and truck cranes above 200T are being widely deployed in windmill erections, refineries, and large industrial projects. The company has supplied some of the largest cranes in India, including 1000-ton, 1600-ton, and 2200-ton, to serve diverse project requirements from compact urban sites to mega industrial undertakings.

SANY cranes are equipped with very strong yet lightweight boom structures developed with advanced engineering to deliver optimum lifting performance at longer radii. The mobile crane's telescopic booms are optimized for stability and load distribution, while advanced safety systems such as Load Moment Indicators (LMI), automatic cut-offs, and real-time monitoring enhance operational safety. Additional features like multiple working modes, automatic load charts, and stability control systems ensure safe and efficient operation in demanding conditions.

Further enhancing productivity, SANY cranes are integrated with the ROOTCLOUD telematics device, enabling operators and fleet managers to track GPA trajectory, machine status, maintenance management, and operator performance through the MachineLink+ platform accessible via computer or mobile. This advanced digital ecosystem significantly improves fleet management efficiency.

“Our cranes are designed to fully comply with Indian road regulations while delivering superior lifting performance. Features like optimized axle load distribution, modular counterweight systems, and efficient transport configurations make them highly roadable and easy to mobilize across project sites. This results in lower transport costs, faster site readiness, and enhanced operational flexibility. Combined with competitive pricing, ARAI certification for all our truck cranes, and fuel-efficient design, SANY cranes deliver a strong cost advantage to both owners and contractors," says Saxena.

To promote and support its mobile cranes, SANY has strengthened its sales and parts distribution network to ensure timely availability of genuine spares across India. It also runs specialized operator and technician training programs, with a focus on safety, productivity, and efficient machine utilization. Services include Annual Maintenance Contracts (AMC), condition-based monitoring, and advanced field support equipment to minimize downtime and ensure that the machines perform at peak levels.

“These initiatives are further enhanced by our digital service platforms, connecting customers seamlessly to service, training, and support — reaffirming our commitment to delivering lifetime value and customer confidence,” avers Saxena.

ACE Cranes: Drawing on in-house designing and manufacturing capabilities to meet demand for advanced cranes

Demand for rough terrain (RT) cranes in India is expanding beyond traditional sectors, with new opportunities emerging in cement, road, and bridge projects. According to Manoj Agarwal, Vice President & Head of Sales & Marketing for Heavy Equipment at ACE Cranes, “Earlier, demand for RT cranes came mostly from government public sector undertakings and industrial facilities such as refineries, power plants, and other government segments, where acquisition of these cranes was based on tendering. Demand from these segments continues to remain strong, with rough terrain cranes being used for expansions and regular maintenance shutdowns. Demand is now also coming from cement plants, as companies undertake planned expansions.”

Fresh demand is also being fuelled by the growing construction of road and bridge infrastructure. With the increasing focus on urban development, these cranes are finding greater use in congested sites, where their compact footprint allows easy maneuverability in tight spaces. They are often preferred over truck and crawler lattice boom cranes due to their shorter setup time for outriggers and faster extension of telescopic booms.

ACE RT cranes are available in capacities of 20-30-40 tons and the newly developed 55-75 tons are seeing a strong demand. Says Agarwal, “There is a gap in the availability of lower and medium capacity RT cranes in the market, hence we are developed this range for which we already have a strong order book for the entire year and have sold 30 units so far.”

“Our sound engineering and manufacturing in the RT segment is based on our expertise in manufacturing crawler, mobile, and truck-mounted cranes. The company undertakes innovation and research for ensuring optimum stability and safety of the cranes, and for ensuring optimum rigidity in structure through deployment of long boom technology - both in U shaped and HEX versions. This is backed by our in-house capability in high-end fabrication and bending. We have engineered our cranes for higher mobility and speed on tough Indian project sites by using advanced transmissions and axles of reputed manufacturers. In fact, our core strength lies in our in-house designing and manufacturing capabilities, and in shorter delivery times. Our RT cranes are sold and serviced directly through our sales and service personnel," adds Agarwal.

XCMG India: Making ownership financially viable, competitive, and sustainable

Demand for rough terrain (RT) cranes in the 40–100-ton range is expected to remain strong in the Indian market, driven by power, oil and gas sectors, and large infrastructure projects that value their off-road adaptability and high-performance capabilities, even on rugged terrains. P.N. Krishnakumar, CEO of XCMG India, observes, “Many developers and EPC contractors prefer to rent these cranes instead of buying them, prompting rental companies to actively upgrade their fleets with modern, high-capacity, and more fuel-efficient cranes to meet specialized and heavy-lift requirements. The Indian rough terrain and mobile crane industry is also beginning to include electric and hybrid models—a shift driven by rising fuel costs, stricter emission norms, and the push for sustainability.”

Krishnakumar adds, “Overall, the outlook for India’s mobile crane market in 2025 remains strong, underpinned by policy-driven infrastructure growth, industrial expansion, renewable energy installations, urbanization, and the rapid professionalization of crane rental services.”

"Our focus is not just on selling our RT cranes — it’s also on enabling crane owners to stay profitable, competitive, and job-ready in a price-sensitive and demanding market. By providing value over and above a good product, we will help crane owners to save fuel, minimize machine downtime, minimize service hassles, and ultimately retain their asset value."

XCMG RT cranes are designed to deliver optimal fuel economy, especially during idling and low/partial load operations, helping owners in immediate savings on operating costs and thereby improving their profitability -- a crucial factor for rental companies and contractors working on tight margins. Telematics and remote monitoring provide real-time insights into fuel usage, machine performance, health diagnostics, and operator behavior. These insights allow owners to optimize fleet performance, plan predictive maintenance, and avoid unexpected downtime.

“Our low maintenance and easy-to-service RT cranes have longer service intervals, smart component layout, and easy access to critical parts. This reduces the time spent on their maintenance, maximizes machine uptime, and lowers their total cost of ownership,” avers Kumar.

As part of customer support XCMG India provides training on economical fuel usage, and correct machine operations. Operators are trained in all the safety aspects, and in efficient usage of the cranes to improve their longevity. The company offers financing options in collaboration with banks and NBFCs. "The comprehensive approach taken by the company ensures that our RT crane ownership remains viable, competitive, and sustainable in a market where margins are tight and operating pressures are high,” says Kumar.

Conclusion

The demand for mobile cranes is expected to remain strong in 2025, driven by government spending on infrastructure, industrial expansion, renewable energy projects, and refinery upgrades. However, hiring rates continue to remain depressed across the categories of mobile cranes. Plus, there is a price hike in equipment owning & operating, due to costs of raw materials, newer emission norms, and higher costs of services.

In this competitive scenario, crane manufacturers are introducing mobile cranes in lower, medium and heavier capacities, for varied usage. They are also upgrading the crane booms for lifting heavier loads at longer radius and enhancing other operating features, notably safety and stability. They are improving the load configurations of their mobile cranes, reducing the axle loads, and making the cranes more roadable, and more cost competitive. There is also a stronger focus on customer service in terms of parts availability, operator training, and regular maintenance.