Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Reliable Cranes
The selection of the appropriate cranes can have significant effects on safety, productivity and effectiveness of your projects. In the construction industry, in maintenance, or the heavy industry, getting the appropriate crane means steady lifting force and flawless operations.
This guide provides you a clear outline of what to look at in purchasing used crane. There are four key types of carry deck cranes, crawler cranes, rough terrain cranes, and truck cranes, and we will look at them each, so you can see the specific advantages of each model and so you can know which model fits your work needs best.
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What is a Crane?
Cranes are sturdier lifting machines that help to lift, lower and move bulky loads accurately. They cannot be ignored in construction sites, industrial facilities, shipping yards and infrastructure projects. Both kinds of cranes are aimed at particular setting, be it a narrow room inside or a huge construction site outside.
Key Features:
Types of Cranes
1
Carry Deck Cranes
Carry deck cranes are small and mobile lifting equipment consisting of a rotating boom attached on a flat deck. Small by size, and able to rotate 360 degrees, they are perfect in tight areas, warehouses and industrial locations. They come in handy particularly when loads are to be transported over a short distance in the deck itself.
Why It’s Effective:
- Compact size allows use in tight spaces.
- 360-degree boom rotation for full flexibility.
- Can carry loads on deck while traveling.
- Perfect for plant maintenance, material handling, and warehouse lifting.
2
Crawler Cranes
Crawler cranes have a heavy suspension that trades its wheels with heavy tracks. They are also very stable and have a high lifting capacity making them the best choice to use in massive construction projects, developing infrastructure, and heavy industrial lifting.
Why It’s Effective:
- Tracks allow movement on soft or uneven ground.
- High lifting capacity for major projects.
- Excellent stability without outriggers.
- Perfect for bridges, wind turbines, and high-rise building work.
3
Rough Terrain Cranes
Cranes that are used in rough terrain are designed with huge tires and strong suspension to use in the off road environment. They are built to be used in construction sites, oil fields and infrastructures projects as they offer lifting capabilities as well as movement over rough terrains.
Why It’s Effective:
- Superior mobility on mud, gravel, and rugged ground.
- Compact but powerful lifting capacity.
- One-cab operation for driving and lifting.
- Ideal for remote construction, pipelines, and energy projects.
4
Truck Cranes
Truck cranes are installed on trucks that have the capability to move on a highway. They are very useful in employment where people can travel frequently without extra transport gear.
Why It’s Effective:
- Highway legal for easy site-to-site transport.
- Fast setup with outriggers.
- Good balance between mobility and lifting capacity.
- Perfect for utility work, road projects, and city construction.
Quick Comparison: Crane Types
Why Buy a Used Crane?
Buying a second-hand crane is a brilliant move to various companies. You are able to get access to high performance equipment at a fraction of the cost that new machines would cost.
Top Reasons to Buy Used:
What Crane Size Do You Need?
Choosing the appropriate crane is not just about the height of the crane it can pick it is about matching your project requirements. You will wish to take into account lifting height, loading capacity, radius of work, ground conditions, and source of power. Five important considerations to make your decision are as follows:
| Specification | Why It’s Important | Common Range |
| Boom Height | Maximum vertical lifting reach | 30–300+ ft |
| Jib Extension | Extra reach beyond main boom | +20–100 ft |
| Working Radius | Side reach for setting loads | 20–250+ ft |
| Lift Capacity | Total weight it can safely handle | 5–500+ tons |
| Power Source | Determines where crane can operate | Diesel, electric, hybrid |
| Mobility Type | Adapts crane to ground/site needs | Crawler, wheeled, truck-mounted |
Crane Power Options: Electric vs. Diesel vs. Hybrid
Electric Cranes
Diesel Cranes
Hybrid / Towable Cranes
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How Much Do Used Cranes Cost?
The price of a used crane depends on several factors including the type of crane, lifting capacity, brand, age, condition, and total operating hours.
Smart Buying Pointers:
| Crane Type | Capacity / Typical Specs | Price Range |
| Carry Deck Crane | ~8–25 tons, compact industrial models | $40,000 – $150,000+ |
| Rough Terrain Crane | 30–90+ tons, off-road capabilities | $70,000 – $350,000+ |
| Crawler Crane | High-capacity, heavy-duty, tracked | $250,000 – $1,200,000+ |
| Truck Crane | Truck-mounted, highway capable | $90,000 – $600,000+ |
Where to Buy Used Cranes
There are three main places to buy used Crane:
At NLEQ, every crane is inspected, serviced, and jobsite-ready with no surprises.
How to Inspect a Used Crane Before Buying
A careful inspection protects your investment and avoids costly downtime. Here’s a quick checklist:
Best for:
Why Work with Us for Your Used Crane Purchase?
At National Lift Equipment we have a huge inventory of used cranes, including small carry decks for large crawlers. Each crane is meticulously checked, maintained and recorded in a manner that enhances safe and reliable performance.