What’s going on in the industrial crane market?

The market for industrial cranes is exploding for a number of reasons. Supply chain issues, the rush to build and expand warehouses and an increased need for concrete and other infrastructure construction components are among the many factors that have pushed the industrial crane market to the forefront.

The realm of industrial cranes involves a variety of lifting equipment, from small mini cranes to heavy lift rigger trucks to huge, rubber-tired gantries.

The new Manitex Valla 130RX has a maximum capacity of 14.3 tons. Designed with an extremely compact footprint, the pick and carry crane is battery operated.

“The market for our cranes at the moment is booming due to infrastructure construction throughout the country,” said Kyle Alfieri, regional sales manager at Mi-Jack Products. “Much of our nation’s infrastructure was built in the 1920s during the second industrial revolution. The lifecycle for this infrastructure is 80 to 100 years. As we approach 2030, many bridges, roadways and other infrastructure needs to be replaced. At the moment, this is a pretty good market for industrial cranes.”

Alfieri said the market is evolving as construction projects get started and the need for building components increases.

“Typically, the Mi-Jack crane was used in the industrial markets, at precast concrete and steel facilities,” he said. “As the internet increased our exposure, and more general contractors saw what our cranes could do, the usage expanded. These cranes are typically safer and can be used in a lot of different scenarios.”

Initially, rubber-tired gantry cranes were used for the loading and unloading of raw materials, Alfieri said. But today, they are actually being used on construction jobsites. Predominant customers include the precast industry, steel producers, general contractors and the energy industry.

“We are seeing our cranes being used on the construction of data centers and on modular building jobsites,” Alfieri said. “We are definitely seeing more activity in the power generation market. As things move to clean energy, we will see this market grow, power generation, offshore and onshore wind power generation and battery producers.”

Industrial cranes fill a need that also involves safe operations.

“Safety is a big player with the Mi-Jack machines because there are no load charts on our cranes due to the way they are designed,” he said. “Ours is a different pick and carry solution that works for a lot of customers.”

The American Cranes & Transport editorial team reached out to industrial crane manufacturers about their latest products. Following is a roundup of these varying product lines.

Manitex Valla

With the V130RX, Manitex Valla is extending its range of battery-operated pick and carry cranes targeted to the rigging/machinery moving, aerospace and heavy maintenance industry. With a maximum capacity of 14.3 tons, the V130RX is extremely compact with a width of only 4-feet 11 inches and a length of 12 feet 1-inch. Manitex said it is ideally suited for working indoors where space is at a premium. Featuring a standard radio remote control, as do all “R” series cranes from Valla, it stands out from the competition with its ease of use and safety, said Manitex’s Ali Lawton.

“This crane offers unrivaled precision with an infinitely variable electric motor for both traction and hydraulic functions,” he said.

Available options include a lithium battery for extended shift demands, self-leveling forks and a hydraulic luffing jib. The Valla 130RX was designed for flexibility when it comes to lifting operations. The V130RX features a tip height of 34 feet and a horizontal outreach of 20 feet. It is equipped with a front stabilizer bar as standard. The optional extending wheelbase boosts the cranes capacity by as much as 70 percent compared to static wheels, further increasing its usefulness, Lawton said.

The Manitex Valla V130RX joins a model line-up featuring standard radio remote control with capacities ranging from 4 to 25 tons. Manitex International owns Valla and distributes these products through Manitex in North America.

Jekko said the SPX32l8 exploits the power and smoothness of a traditional hydraulic jib but uses an independent radio remote control.

Jekko

The Jekko SPX328 mini crane can easily drive through standard doorways, having a width, when closed, lower than 31.5 inches. Weighing 5,070 pounds, featuring a maximum load capacity of 6,172 pounds, a maximum operating height of the main boom of 10.5 meters and a reach of as long as 8 meters horizontally, this machine has a 12.8-foot (12.8-meter) height (jib included) and is 9.6 feet (2.95 meters long), 5.2 feet (1.61-meters) high and approximately 28.5 inches wide.

It is powered by LiFe-PO4 210Ah lithium-ion batteries and can work up to eight hours with a single charge since it manages and optimizes current consumption independently. Moreover, the machine can operate under charge by plugging it to its standard 220V (110V for the U.S.) battery charger available on board – fast recharge taking no more than about four and a half hours, according to Jekko.

“This model is equipped with an advanced hydraulic system that reaches maximum performance with minimum current draw,” the company said.

An onboard 10-inch interactive touchscreen – featuring an IP67 Protection Rating for operation in any yard and in no matter what weather conditions, even when using work gloves – interacts with the crane via the Jekko Touch Experience system, that guides the operator step-by-step to configure the crane before starting operation, and has tutorials that can be watched on the display. The touchscreen control panel not only configures the work parameters but also gives feedback on the crane functions, manages emergencies, errors and alarms for smooth communication with the after-sales service in case of issues, Jekko said.

The Jekko SPX328 is the first mini crane worldwide equipped with an electric jib – with a 500-kg maximum lifting capacity – whose hydraulic cylinders have been replaced by electric actuators powered by a lithium battery housed on the main boom, according to Jekko.

JMG

Founded in 2007, JMG produces electric pick and carry cranes that are efficient and provide sustainable lifting solutions, the company said.

JMG has 35-plus models in its product range, including lifter cranes, crawler cranes and forklift cranes. The pick and carry deck cranes are also electric.

Based in Italy, the company has the vision of being the global leader in green lifting solutions. The cranes are designed as an alternative to traditional forklifts.

JMG cranes offer a better choice in terms of performance, precision of movement and compactness, JMG said.

With 35-plus models in its eight ranges, JMG produces lifter cranes, crawler cranes and forklift cranes. Models include the Greenlifter MC750TC, the forklift crane MC250.09FL and the crawler crane MC50000TE. JMG’s radio remote controlled cranes include 15 models, including its carry deck line.

Ormig

Ormig’s electric range of cranes aims to produce the best and most innovative technical features on the market for indoor mobile cranes. The main application of the indoor range is heavy industrial handling, which has become increasingly demanding in terms of operator safety, environmental regulations and rapidity of use in recent years, the company said.

Ormig has been offering its products to the market for 75 years. Its flagship model is the 100iE.

Ormig’s indoor mobile cranes are 100 percent electric and have zero harmful exhaust emissions. This allows the crane to be used in indoor environments without risks to the health of operators and other workers, and reduces noise in the workplace, the company said.

They are designed to be compact and highly maneuverable, capable of handling loads in workplaces with limited space. Electronically controlled hydraulic systems provide precise and intuitive maneuverability during lifting and handling operations, with advanced control systems that allow operators to position the load accurately and manage movements to the millimeter, reducing the risk of damage to loads. To ensure operational safety, anti-tilting devices, electronic blocking of dangerous operations, and blind spot cameras are implemented, as well as lights and flashing lights as required by regulations.

The Ormig range features its patented four-points of contact steering mechanism, which allows the crane to be maneuvered with millimeter precision, eliminating tire scraping on the ground, premature wear and stress on mechanical components, the company said. Thanks to the two front electric motors, which rotate in opposite directions through the electronic differential in the maximum steering configuration, Ormig iE cranes rotate around the front axle like a compass. They draw a perfect circle on the ground and reduce the turning radius to a minimum without sacrificing the stability of the four points of support on the ground, which are intrinsically safer than three-point geometries, Ormig said.

The iE cranes are designed with optional extras including mechanical jibs, hydraulic jibs and hydraulically operated oscillating heads, which allow the crane to position the load accurately and to face complex working situations onsite, allowing it to easily reach difficult-to-reach points or tight corners, near the ceiling.

Ormig’s flagship crane is the 100iE. On this model, technicians developed a hydraulically operated oscillating head, with which the mobile crane can lift and position loads with greater precision, minimizing the risk of damage to the load or surrounding elements. The ability to precisely control the movement of the arm head reduces the risk of accidental collisions or unwanted contacts with obstacles, also improving the safety of lifting. With the oscillating head, the crane is able to adapt to a variety of applications and lifting requirements without the need for complex adjustments or additional equipment. This increases the versatility of the crane and allows it to fully exploit its capabilities in different work contexts, without the need to mount and dismount additional optional extras, Ormig said.

At the 2023 GIS exhibition in Piacenza, Italy, Ormig was awarded the Product Innovation Award following the preview of its new 30-ton model. The crane, equipped with a hydraulically operated head, is less than 2 meters wide and only 3 meters long.

Mi-Jack

Mi-Jack Products, an industry leader in Travelift and Translift rubber-tired gantry cranes, is introducing the Monobeam, a remote-controlled single beam gantry crane designed especially for steel and precast handling applications. With its advanced steering options and impressive capacity on single lifts and tandem picks, the Monobeam will efficiently transform work yards and facilities in the precast, steel and construction industries, Mi-Jack said.

Operated by remote control, the Mi-Jack Monobeam has 100-ton capacity on tandem picks and 50-ton capacity on single lifts.

Remarking on the features the Monobeam will provide, Mike Lanigan Jr., vice president of Travelift sales for Mi-Jack Products, said, “The evolution of the precast industry typically results in bigger, longer, heavier product lines. We are seeing more and more tandem material handling solutions to accommodate these crucial picks. That is where the Monobeam from Mi-Jack comes into play. It gives the opportunity for a client to tandem pick with a smaller footprint and lower cost.”

Key features of the Monobeam are its 100-ton capacity on tandem picks and a 50-ton capacity on single lifts. Remote-controlled operation eliminates the need for a cab, ensuring easy and safe operation from a distance. This single beam, rubber-tired gantry crane provides versatile use both outdoors and indoors, providing flexibility across various work environments and maximizes facility space.

“The Monobeam is a great machine for transloading steel coils, being able to operate a crane with a wireless remote and pick coils out of a gondola car is essential for any steel mill,” said Mi-Jack’s Alfieri.

The Monobeam offers five modes of advanced steering capabilities via remote control, catering to diverse operational needs including lead wheel steering, circle steering, all-wheel steering, crab steering and 90-degree transverse steering.

Engineered with noise suppression capabilities, the Monobeam creates a quieter worksite for enhanced productivity, Mi-Jack said. Equipped with four motion alarms, four red strobe lights and eight LED lights for working and driving, this single beam RTG crane ensures a secure work environment.

Broderson Manufacturing plans to begin production deliveries of the ICe-80 later in 2024.

Broderson

Broderson Manufacturing recently introduced its first battery electric powered, zero emissions industrial carry deck crane. The 9-ton capacity ICe-80 is a zero-emission version of the popular Broderson IC-80 crane, which has long been offered in diesel and dual-fuel configurations.

The current diesel or dual-fuel power plant and mechanical transmission are replaced with a 700 VDC lithium-ion battery pack and permanent magnet synchronous motors and inverters to power the drive and hydraulic systems.

Broderson has been selective in applying the highest quality components in this robust power package designed to perform at the level Broderson customers expect of an IC-80, the company said. The battery package is also used by a U.S.-based Class 5 and 8 electric truck manufacturer. The motor and inverter package are from the Rexroth eLION, which is designed for and proven in off-highway applications.

The 2-wheel drive, 4-wheel steer crane is designed for a standard crane operation duty-cycle of eight hours and has a maximum driving speed of 17 miles per hour. The axles, boom, hoist, outrigger system and LMI system are shared with the standard IC-80 to allow for common parts stocking and maintenance of these components.

The PC094 and PC295 Spydercranes are eco-friendly.

Spydercrane

The Smiley Lifting Solutions/Spydercrane PC094 and PC295 pick and carry cranes, developed and tested in the U.S., have capacities of 1,900 pounds for the PC094 and 5,070 pounds for the PC295. These Spydercrane models deliver outstanding power while maintaining a sleek, maneuverable design, the company said.

The PC094, at a width of 31.2 inches, passes through standard doors. The PC295, with a width of 37.5 inches, is engineered to fit through 42-inch doors.

Distinguished by a mechanical power steering system, these models offer a simplified and reliable operator control. Mechanical connections guarantee alignment between the steering handle and wheel, and eliminate the complexity of traditional steering systems. Automatic drive-wheel braking on the front wheels enhances control and safety during operation, the company said.

Powered by a 48V battery with a 110V charging system, the PC094 and PC295 offer eco-friendly operation and robust lifting capabilities. The extendable stabilizers provide added assurance for stability during lifting operations for a wide range of applications.

The Terex Franna R19 US has a boom length of 59 feet 9 inches and a hook height of 56 feet 3 inches.

Terex Franna

Terex Franna has unveiled the FR19 US, a 19-ton capacity pick and carry crane that packs a punch in a compact size, the company said. The FR19 US is ideal for navigating even the tightest jobsites.

A Cummins F3.8 121 hp Tier 4F engine, coupled with a 4 speed Carraro Powershift Transmission and light axle weight, makes it a speedy machine in industrial yards and across diverse applications. From maneuvering steel beams to placing delicate machinery, the FR19 US boasts a large torque converter that eliminates the clutch pedal, minimizing driver fatigue. It was designed to have smooth steering flexibility even in the most confined spaces. Terex Franna said the FR19 US prioritizes safety and comfort, empowering operators.

Its heavy-duty U-Section fabricated boom, with welding on the neutral axis, offers exceptional strength and stability.

Forklift conversion

Maddox Industrial Transformer is changing the way they lift and load their electrical products by moving from forklifts to mobile gantry cranes. The new solution is the Single Beam (SB) mobile gantry crane from Shuttlelift. Maddox has purchased and received three Shuttlelift SB gantry cranes.

Shuttlelift’s Single Beam mobile gantry crane is ideal for moving electrical products.

Maddox Industrial Transformer has been selling, buying and renting new and reconditioned transformers since its founding in 2015. Serving the commercial, industrial and renewables segments of the transformer market, they are dedicated to fast lead times and helping their customers get projects powered on as fast as possible.

To further maximize usable yard space Maddox equipped their cranes with Shuttlelift’s patented all wheel electronic steering system which allows for five modes of steering, including carousel and crab steering. The AWS option allows the cranes to maneuver in tighter quarters and further reduces the amount of space needed to operate. The company said the “all-wheel steering has been essential” with the ability to crab steer comfortably sideways to position the crane to travel down a different aisle.

All three of Maddox’s Shuttlelift cranes are equipped with wireless remote control and automatic variable throttle (AVT). The wireless remote is standard on all SB gantry cranes from Shuttlelift and allows for maximum visibility by giving the operator freedom to position themselves anywhere around the load. The operator can then also be the one rigging the load, which cuts down on personnel needed. The AVT option is a built-in engine program that adjusts the engine RPM automatically to ensure that you are only using the power needed to complete the task at hand. AVT helps to significantly reduce fuel consumption and increase component life.