Favco cranes on world’s tallest tower

Tower crane manufacturer Favelle Favco has three of its large luffing jib tower cranes on the long running project to construct the world’s tallest building.

The Jeddah Tower in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will be 1 kilometre (3,280 feet) tall. Even though it is still a long way from completion it already has a chequered history (see end of story).

The Jeddah Tower under construction in Saudi Arabia was designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, the same firm responsible for the Burj Khalifa. Photo: Favelle Favco

Favelle Favco said its cranes have already helped build 11 of the 13 tallest buildings in the world. On this Jeddah Tower project are two M390D and one M390DS diesel-hydraulic tower cranes.

“These cranes are engineered for complete independence, requiring no reliance on mains power supply, thereby ensuring uninterrupted operations in even the most demanding conditions,” commented a Favco spokesperson.

All three cranes have a safe working load of 32 tonnes on two falls of hoist rope, or 25 tonnes on a single fall. They are configured with 45.8 metre jibs (maximum possible is 73.4 metres). To help reduce lift cycle time the maximum light load hoist speed on the M390DS is 232 m/min.

Performance advantage

The Favco luffing jib tower cranes on top of the Jeddah Tower. Photo: Favelle Favco

Favco said the fast hydraulically powered internal climbing system was a decisive factor for the customer. With so many floors and the building’s enormous height, it has to be possible to increase the crane height as swiftly and efficiently as possible. “This technology provides unmatched efficiency in vertical progression, enabling the cranes to adapt seamlessly as the tower ascends,” Favco said.

“Our dedicated team, on-site presence and crane solutions will ensure this project is delivered with precision, safety, and reliability. We are honoured to play a defining role in building this architectural marvel and reinforcing our legacy as the trusted name in high-rise construction,” the company concluded.

Formerly known as the Kingdom Tower, construction began in 2013 but stopped in 2018 as a result of anti-corruption investigations. It was paused when it was at a height of around 63 storeys, out of a total of 157. In January 2025 construction restarted under the same contractor, Saudi Binladen Group, on the renamed Jeddah Tower with a projected completion date of 2028.

It will be the jewel in the crown of the US$20 billion, 5.3 million square metre, Jeddah Economic City development.