The Biggest Crane in the World | China’s Heavy Lifting Power

Overhead Crane

When discussing the biggest crane in the world, people often refer to more than just size — it’s about lifting capacity, boom length, mobility, and engineering innovation. Modern cranes are categorized mainly into crawler cranes, tower cranes, and all-terrain cranes, each designed for different types of mega projects such as offshore wind farms, petrochemical plants, or bridge construction.

For Chinese crane manufacturers, mastering ultra large tonnage lifting technology is the path from being a “follower” to a “leader”. This article uses the topic of the largest crane in the world to explore the rise path of China’s lifting industry and how Yonghao Crane has won trust and authority with its technological strength.

Currently, the SANY SCC98000TM holds the title of the biggest crane in the world, with a maximum lifting capacity of 4,500 tons. Its modular design, double-boom structure, and advanced control system enable it to perform tasks previously thought impossible — such as hoisting massive petrochemical reactor columns or wind turbine nacelles weighing thousands of tons.

Below is a comparative overview of the world’s largest cranes:

Crane ModelTypeMax Lifting CapacityMain Boom LengthCountry / Manufacturer
SANY SCC98000TMCrawler4,500 tons216 mChina (SANY)
XCMG XGC88000Crawler4,000 tons200 m+China (XCMG)
XCMG XCA4000Wheeled4,000 tons180 mChina (XCMG)
Liebherr LTM 11200All-Terrain1,200 tons182 mGermany (Liebherr)
Zoomlion R20000-720Tower720 tonsChina (Zoomlion)

This comparison shows China’s rapid progress in the heavy-lifting industry, with brands like SANY, XCMG, and Zoomlion leading global innovation in crane engineering.

industrial cranes

The evolution of the biggest crane in the world reflects not only scale but also technological sophistication. These machines integrate cutting-edge materials, digital control systems, and intelligent safety mechanisms.

Core TechnologyFunction / BenefitExample Application
High-strength materials & modular designReduces total weight while maintaining extreme lifting powerSANY SCC98000TM
Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) systemEnhances control precision and energy efficiencyXCMG XGC88000
Power & stability management systemsMaintains balance and safety during complex liftingLiebherr LTM 11200
Efficient transport & assembly systemSimplifies logistics and speeds up on-site setupZoomlion R20000-720

These innovations mark a turning point for the global construction industry — improving safety, sustainability, and efficiency in large-scale operations.

Today’s largest cranes are essential in industries such as:

  • Renewable energy – Installing massive wind turbines up to 20 MW capacity
  • Petrochemical construction – Lifting reactor vessels and refining towers
  • Nuclear power plants – Assembling containment domes with millimeter precision
  • Bridge and port engineering – Handling precast segments over 1,000 tons

At Yonghao Crane, we combine decades of experience with advanced engineering solutions to deliver reliable heavy-lifting systems for global projects. Our approach emphasizes precision, durability, and customer-centric customization.

Technical AdvantageCustomer Benefit
Optimized lightweight designHigher efficiency, reduced energy use
VFD and digital monitoring systemsReal-time diagnostics and predictive maintenance
Modular & standardized componentsEasier replacement, upgrades, and inventory management
Long-term durabilityLower maintenance cost and stable performance
Global installation & after-sales networkReliable support and faster response

With our engineering expertise and commitment to excellence, Yonghao Crane stands as a trusted partner in the global heavy-lifting industry.

5 ton overhead crane for sale

The development of the biggest crane in the world is a reflection of human ingenuity and the constant pursuit of engineering excellence. From material science to digital control, every breakthrough pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in construction and infrastructure.

Yonghao Crane continues to advance this legacy — delivering safe, efficient, and innovative lifting solutions to clients worldwide. For partnership or project inquiries, please contact us at yonghaoqizhong@163.com.

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