How to Choose the Right Crane for Your Construction Site

gantry crane

Selecting the right crane is critical for the success, safety, and cost-efficiency of any construction project. With many crane types available—each designed for specific loads, heights, and terrains—knowing how to choose the right one can help you avoid costly delays and safety risks.

In this guide, YONG HAO CRANE shares expert tips to help you evaluate your job site needs and select the best crane for your construction project.

1. Load Weight and Size

Determine the maximum load weight the crane will lift. Include the size and shape of the load, which may affect the type of lifting gear required.


Tip: Choose a crane with a capacity 10–20% higher than your heaviest lift for added safety.

2. Lift Height and Radius

Consider the vertical height and horizontal reach the crane must cover. Tower cranes work best for extreme heights, while mobile or rough-terrain cranes are ideal for moderate lifts over varied ground.

3. Site Conditions and Accessibility

Evaluate your job site conditions. Is the terrain rough or paved? Is there limited space or obstacles like power lines? Will the crane need to move between areas?


Crawler cranes handle uneven ground well, while truck-mounted cranes are better for sites that require high mobility.

4. Project Duration

Short-term projects may benefit from fast-setup options like mobile cranes, whereas long-term builds may justify the setup time of tower cranes.

5. Mobility Requirements

Will the crane stay in one place or move around the site frequently?
Stationary cranes (e.g., overhead, tower) offer precision.
Mobile cranes (e.g., truck-mounted, rough terrain) offer flexibility.

6. Lifting Frequency

For continuous lifting operations, opt for cranes with high efficiency and minimal downtime, such as overhead cranes in manufacturing or warehouse environments.

7. Budget and Rental Costs

Factor in not just the rental price, but also transportation, setup and teardown, operator fees, and insurance.


At YONG HAO CRANE, we offer cost-effective crane rental and custom lifting solutions tailored to your site needs.

Electric-Chain-Hoist-Cranes
Crane TypeMobilityBest ForLift CapacitySetup Time
Mobile CraneHighGeneral construction, fast liftsMedium to HighQuick
Tower CraneFixedHigh-rise buildingsVery HighLong
Crawler CraneLow (on tracks)Heavy-duty, rough terrainVery HighModerate
Truck-Mounted CraneVery HighUrban utility, mobile sitesMediumVery Quick
Rough Terrain CraneModerateOff-road, energy projectsMedium to HighQuick
Overhead CraneFixed (indoor)Manufacturing, warehousesHighInstalled
Gantry CraneSemi-mobileShipyards, yardsHighModerate

Choosing the right crane involves a mix of engineering insight and practical experience. At YONG HAO CRANE, we offer expert consultation, site evaluation, professional operators, and reliable crane rental and service packages to support your project from start to finish.

Contact us today
Email: yonghaoqizhong@163.com

We’ll help you select the ideal crane solution for your next project—safely, efficiently, and within budget.

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We will contact you within 1 working day, please pay attention to the email with the suffix “@yhoverheadcranes.com”.