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Market Overview: The global market for mobile cranes, including secondhand options, has shown promising growth, with the sector expected to reach $19.3 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.5% from 2023. This growth trajectory is driven by increasing demand for versatile lifting solutions across construction and infrastructure projects. In the U.S., the mobile crane market was valued at $7.2 billion in 2023, while China is projected to achieve a remarkable 4.3% CAGR, reaching $6.6 billion by 2030, according to Global Industry Analysts. The secondhand mobile crane market benefits from this upward trend, providing cost-effective solutions for companies looking to optimize their capital expenditures without compromising on performance.
Industry Insights: The rising preference for secondhand mobile cranes can be attributed to various factors, including budget constraints and the need for immediate availability in project timelines. Companies are increasingly turning to online platforms like Alibaba.com to source pre-owned machinery, allowing them to tap into a broader inventory and negotiate competitive pricing. Furthermore, technological advancements in crane design and safety features enhance the appeal of secondhand options, making them more reliable for demanding applications. However, challenges such as maintenance history transparency and operational skill requirements remain critical pain points for buyers. Overall, the secondhand mobile crane market is poised for growth, supported by a robust rental market projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.7%, reaching $78.2 billion by 2030, indicating a shifting landscape favoring both new and used crane solutions.
Used mobile cranes are versatile construction machines for lifting objects such as steel and other heavy items. The many types of secondhand mobile cranes include the truck, all-terrain, rough terrain, crawler, and floating cranes.
Truck Crane:
A truck-mounted crane uses a truck chassis as its base, making it a portable and versatile lifting solution for many types of jobs. Equipped with outriggers or stabilizers, this crane provides a solid foundation. These components help to level the crane and distribute the truck's weight evenly to prevent tip-overs while lifting heavy loads. This is critical for the safety and stability of both the crane and the lifted load.
All-Terrain Crane:
The all-terrain crane is a mobile crane that can easily travel and operate on both public roads and rough off-road terrains. Its design combines features of truck cranes and cross-country vehicles, making it adaptable for various challenging environments. Thanks to its versatile nature, the all-terrain crane is suited for heavy industrial projects, construction tasks, and infrastructure development in remote or rugged locations where traditional road access may be limited.
Rough Terrain Crane:
This type of mobile crane is specifically designed for off-road applications. It offers exceptional mobility and stability on uneven ground, making it suitable for challenging outdoor work sites where traditional cranes cannot access. The crane is mounted on a highly maneuverable rubber-tired vehicle that can easily navigate rough and rugged terrain.
Crawler Crane:
A crawler mobile crane is mounted on a large, heavy-duty track platform. This type of mobile crane is designed for high stability and mobility on various job sites, even in difficult terrain conditions. The massive tracked platform provides a stable base, ensuring balance and support for heavy lifting operations. This makes it a perfect choice for large construction, infrastructure, and industrial projects that require moving and erecting heavy materials with precision and stability.
Floating Crane:
A floating mobile crane, also known as a lift boat, is a large, versatile crane mounted on a pontoon barge or a floating platform. It is specifically designed to perform heavy lifting operations at sea or in offshore waters. The stable base provided by the floating vessel allows the crane to maneuver and position heavy items with accuracy even in open ocean environments far away from the shore.
Cargo Capacity:
The cargo capacities of secondhand mobile cranes vary significantly, depending on the model and type. Small mobile cranes, such as truck-mounted cranes, generally have a maximum load capacity of around 10 tons. Larger models, such as all-terrain or larger truck cranes, can handle heavier loads, with capacities exceeding 100 tons.
Operating Radius:
The operating radius indicates the furthest distance from the base of the crane that it can lift objects. The operating radius varies depending on the type of crane. For instance, the radius of a small mobile crane is about 10 to 15 meters, while larger mobile cranes have operating radii up to 30 meters or more.
Height:
The height refers to the maximum vertical lifting height of the crane. The height also depends on the model and type. For instance, typical truck-mounted cranes can reach heights of 15 to 20 meters. All-terrain cranes generally offer a maximum height of about 30 meters. Larger models, such as the tower crane, can reach heights over 60 meters.
The maintenance of a secondhand mobile crane can be generally divided into three aspects: routine inspections, regular maintenance, and repairs. Here's what they involve.
Routine Inspection：
Users have to perform daily inspections as per the operator's manual. Check the crane's exterior for potential issues, such as loose parts, leaks, or visible damage. Inspect its boom and other lifting components to ensure no deformation or damage may impair functioning.
Additionally, it is good to check the hydraulic system regularly. This includes inspecting hydraulic hoses and connectors for leaks and ensuring hydraulic oil is within the proper range.
Also, a routine check on electrical systems is to be performed, such as reconnecting cables and inspecting the crane's control system and sensors. Ensure all safety devices, like limit switches and emergency brakes, are functioning properly, too.
Finally, pay attention to the crane's working environment. Ensure the ground support is level and free of obstacles and that the area is adequately ventilated.
Regular Maintenance:
Secondhand mobile crane users have to work with maintenance professionals or authorized services regularly to conduct comprehensive inspections and servicing techniques on their cranes at fixed intervals.
This is important to check major systems, including the hydraulic system, electrical system, and mechanical components, to ensure everything operates properly and looks good, too.
The crane's oil and filters need to be replaced regularly. This includes gearbox oil, hydraulic oil, and lubricating oil. Oil and filter replacement not only keeps the crane operating smoothly but also prolongs its service life.
Additionally, replacing worn parts and tires is crucial for mobile cranes. For example, boom extension and wire ropes must be replaced to enhance the crane's performance, reliability, and safety over the years.
Users may also need to recalibrate the crane. For instance, regular recalibration of the crane's load sensor and angle sensor ensures accurate load measurement and control.
Repairs：
If a secondhand mobile crane has mechanical problems, more severe damages, or parts wearing, users may need to repair them. This may include replacing critical components, such as hydraulic pumps, motors, gearboxes, or electrical control units.
For mobile cranes with structural damages, such as bent or deformed booms, frames, or support legs, they may need to be repaired, too. In severe cases, a straightening or welding process may be necessary.
As one of the most flexible lifting equipments, secondhand mobile cranes do very well in infrastructure construction industry, logistics industry, mining industry, shipbuilding industry and many other industries.
Infrastructure construction
Mobile cranes are often used to build large infrastructure projects such as bridges, highways, and public facilities. For example, when building bridge girders, mobile cranes can lift heavy girders into place from different angles and heights. Mobile cranes also easily assemble steel frameworks for elevated highways and urban infrastructure.
Logistics industry
In the logistics business, mobile cranes are used to unload cargo from ships and containers, as well as to stack, move and reposition cargo on the yard. For example, when unloading cargo from a freighter, a mobile crane can easily lift heavy, oversized cargo containers off the vessel and position them in the proper location using its flexible rotation and movement.
Mining industry
Mobile cranes are widely used in the mining industry for equipment installation, maintenance and production support. For example, mobile cranes can be used to install large mills and separators in the mine, as well as to carry them to various drilling sites within the mine for positioning and repairs.
Shipbuilding industry
In the shipbuilding industry, mobile cranes are mainly used for the assembly and installation of ship equipment. For example, mobile cranes can be used to install engines, generators and other large, heavy equipment on a ship.
Wholesale dealers looking to invest in used mobile cranes for sale should begin by researching the supplier. They should find out if the supplier is a reputable manufacturer or dealer of used mobile cranes by reading reviews and ratings. After this, they should inspect the condition of the mobile crane. While the options for used mobile cranes are many, a good inspection can reveal those with hidden issues.
Investors should ensure they take the crane for an inspection with a qualified engineer. The test must include a thorough visual inspection, focusing on the hydraulic system, boom, chassis, engine, tires, and controls. The working capacity and stability of the mobile crane should also be tested.
Check out the maintenance history document of the secondhand mobile crane. A well-maintained crane has better performance and fewer issues. It's also important to inquire about the age of the mobile crane. This includes when the crane was manufactured and how long it has been in operation.
Get the necessary paperwork to avoid legal situations later on. This includes ownership documents, compliance certificates, and registration papers. It’s better to negotiate for a return policy where a faulty mobile crane is returned.
A mobile crane’s primary purpose is to lift heavy materials. Buyers should ensure that the crane’s lifting capacity aligns with their projects' requirements. An oversight can lead to severe accidents and project delays. Comparing prices from different suppliers helps buyers find an affordable deal. But, buyers should ensure that the low price does not compromise the crane’s quality.
Finally, buyers should choose a type of mobile crane that suits their usage needs and project requirements. They should consider factors like maneuverability and versatility.
Q1. Do secondhand mobile cranes have any after-market accessories buyers can add to their purchase?
A1. There are a number of secondhand mobile crane accessories that are available to enhance the performance of a cranes primary function. Crane mats are a mobile cranes best friend and are often used to provide better stability and ground protection. Crane remote controls are another popular accessory. Mobile cranes are often fitted with a remote control unit to enable safer and more efficient operation from a distance. Crane GPS units are commonly added to mobile secondhand cranes so that operators can keep track of the cranes location, speed and usage patterns. This information is typically displayed on a dashboard in the form of numbers. Finally, a crane hook supersedes all accessories and is probably the most popular above all mobile crane accessories. Hooks come in all shapes and sizes, but the most popular one is the revolving one that can handle a large capacity.
Q2. What are the signs that a secondhand mobile crane is damaged and shouldn't be used?
A2. There are a number of signs that a secondhand mobile crane is damaged and should not be used. This includes rust, damage to body or structure, fluid leaks, irregular tyre wear, bent or damaged boom sections, worn or damaged cables and malfunctioning or damaged controls and gauges. If any of these damage signs are seen, the crane should not be used.
Q3. What is the average lifespan of a secondhand mobile crane?
A3. On average, a mobile crane has a lifespan of 30,000 to 50,000 hours of operation. However, this figure can vary greatly depending on a number of factors such as type of maintenance performed, quality of crane, operating conditions and intensity of usage.
Q4. Which secondhand mobile crane has the highest number of sales and why?
A4. Despite the ongoing advancements in mobile crane technology, the classic Groves crane continues to reign supreme as the best-selling mobile crane in the world. Its popularity can be attributed to a number of factors such as ease of use, robust design and high capacity. The crane has the ability to effortlessly lift and move heavy loads, even in the most challenging of environments. Another reason for the Groves cranes consistent success and best selling status is the incredible support network. This includes spare parts availability and technical support.
