Giant new heavy lift tower crane for wind work

New Zoomlion LW3600-240NB luffing jib tower crane being demonstrated on 3 February 2026. Photo: Zoomlion

Construction machinery manufacturer Zoomlion is claiming a record for the world’s tallest and largest tower crane for wind turbine erection.

The LW3600-240NB was first shown on 3 February 2026 at the crane maker’s highly automated factory in Changde, China. It was demonstrated to technical experts and representatives in wind power, lifting, construction and energy industries. Via a remote control the crane lifted a 300 tonne counterweight block.

As a record holder the new LW3600-240NB supersedes the previously-claimed LW2800A-200NA, also launched by Zoomlion, only last year.

Launch ceremony for Zoomlion’s new tower crane which has a capacity of 240 tonnes and maximum lifting height of 241 metres. Photo: Zoomlion

Big numbers

In terms of specifications its capacity is given as 240 tonnes and it carries a maximum load moment rating of 3,600 tonne-metres. Also impressive is its maximum lifting height, given as 241 metres, or the equivalent of an 80-storey building, the manufacturer said.

Being a tower crane it occupies a relatively small area on the ground of 35 by 55 metres. Its ground bearing requirement is 0.18 MPa (18,350 kg-f/square metre).

The new crane is aimed at projects to construct especially tall – 200+ metres hub height – and high capacity – up to 10 MW – wind turbines. Zoomlion claims six major benefits as follows: “Outstanding lifting performance, small site area requirement, low ground bearing capacity requirement, strong wind resistance, industry-leading hoisting efficiency, and fast installation and relocation speed.”

Other applications for the new giant could include bridge construction, nuclear power and chemical plant work.