Rough and ready: North American RT market perseveres

Eight months into 2025, the North American market for rough terrain cranes is being described as fairly robust, strong, resilient and active, especially in the higher capacity classes. Rough terrain crane owners are reporting “solid utilization” for these workhorse cranes that often are the busiest cranes on a jobsite.

“Although the RT market can be somewhat seasonal, it is still fairly robust with most customers reporting that they have solid utilization of their fleets,” said Liebherr USA general manager of sales Brian Peretin. “The traditional drivers of oil, gas and energy are still very much in play. However, we are seeing a big increase in demand coming from chip plants and data centers.”

The 140-ton capacity Liebherr LRT 1130-2.1 was developed to meet the growing needs for customers in the United States and Canada. Capacity: 140 US tons Main boom length: 197 feet Fixed jib length: 35 to 62 feet swingaway plus 23-foot lattice extension Counterweight: 45,400 pounds

Tadano’s Lane Rydbom concurred with Peretin, saying that demand is particularly higher for larger-class RTs, despite ongoing external market pressures.

“This strength is largely driven by sustained activity in infrastructure development, refinery upgrades and large-scale construction projects such as data centers and semiconductor manufacturing facilities,” Rydbom said. “Additionally, construction and maintenance within the oil and gas sector remain robust, further supporting high utilization rates among customers.”

Productivity is key
Manitowoc RT product manager John Bair said demand is steady, particularly for the higher capacity models.

“Infrastructure investment, energy work and industrial expansion are driving the need for cranes that offer performance and versatility,” Bair said. “With labor costs high, customers want machines that maximize productivity on site. Contractors are taking on complex jobs that require greater lift power without sacrificing mobility. Projects like energy grid upgrades, wind farms and petrochemical expansions require cranes that can remain stationary and perform multiple tasks. Larger RTs fill that gap efficiently.”

Terex’s Andreas Ernst said that the 80-US ton and above class is still quite active. He said continuous construction and infrastructure projects combined with new manufacturing facilities are driving the market for larger rough terrains.

In terms of smaller RTs, there are growing challenges.

“On the smaller and mid-range market the current rental prices are not offsetting the costs of adding new products to the fleets, in general the increasing costs of products due to tariffs and continuous high interest rates are challenging,” Ernst said.

‘Workhorse’ status
Brian Smoot, general manager of cranes at Sany America, noted that after early-year shipping delays, interest in the 120 US ton capacity SRA1200A has risen sharply.

“Demand for larger RTs keeps growing as contractors lift heavier modular components without mobilizing all-terrain cranes,” Smoot said. “Customers want reliable performance, strong charts across the radius and modern operator environments.”

Peretin said that since the RT is the “workhorse” of the jobsite, reliability is the key to success.

The RTC-80160 Series II has top-notch pick and carry capacities, manufacturer Link-Belt said. Capacity: 160 US tons at 7 feet radius Main boom length: 42.3 feet Fixed jib length: Two-piece bi-fold lattice fly: 31 to 55 feet Max boom length: 195.3 feet Counterweight: Two packages: 35,000 pounds and 59,000 pounds

“It is critical to have solid reliability with as little downtime as possible,” he said. “This has always been and remains the key to success with an RT with any customer. Ease of operation, economical transportation and modern safety features are also important factors to consider.”

Bair said reach, strength and ease of transport are foundational, but customers are also focused on operator comfort, quick setup, and smarter fleet integration.

“Customers want cranes that run reliably, have minimal downtime and ultimately provide a strong return on their investment – all of which are key drivers in both our new product development and standard production processes,” he said. “But increasingly, they’re also asking: What happens after you buy the crane? That’s where aftermarket support becomes a key differentiator.”

Link-Belt Cranes RT product manager Kelly Fiechter said that from the Link-Belt perspective, the RT market in North America is stable.

“We’ve seen a steady flow of cranes going to rental fleets and customer fleets this year,” he said. “So far, there seems to be enough large infrastructure and project work underway to keep fleet owners busy. Plant work, mining, power and dock work drive a lot of the demand for our large six-wheel rough terrain cranes. These cranes have big capacities but are simple to maneuver because of their six-wheel drive, six-wheel steer drive system, and compact design. These cranes can go places other larger cranes simply cannot, allowing them to get closer to their work and deliver big capacities once in position.”

Higher capacities
In terms of market challenges, Peretin also pointed to the demand for larger and larger RTs.

“Coupled with this there also appears to be a growing need for longer boom lengths that have been traditionally covered by all-terrain cranes,” Peretin said. “Customers are possibly seeing the cost benefits of boom-length and capacity in a less-expensive package of an RT versus an AT.

Bair said, in that same vein, fleet owners are thinking more strategically.

The Broderson RT-400-B is a cab-down rough terrain crane. Capacity: 20 US tons Boom length: 72 feet 6 inches Offsetable boom extension: 20 feet Design: cab down

“They’re evaluating cranes based on total jobsite impact—how quickly they deploy, how much ground they can cover without repositioning and how well they integrate into a broader operational strategy.”

Tadano’s Rydbom said a key trend in the market is the growing focus on environmental initiatives.

“Customers and manufacturers alike are increasingly prioritizing sustainability,” he said. “In line with this, Tadano is committed to its Green Solutions and net zero goals, aiming to reduce environmental impact through innovative technologies and eco-friendly product development.”

Link-Belt’s Fiechter said while customers expect a mix of safety, reliability, ease of ownership and a low cost of owners in their RTs, they also need a machine that is priced competitively.

Cab-down variety
Broderson Manufacturing succeeds in the small rough terrain crane market. The company’s model RT-400-B, with a capacity of 20 tons, is a class leading cab-down rough terrain crane. It features a 72 foot, 6-inch 4-section, full power boom and 20-foot offsetable boom extension. It is powered by a Cummins QSF3.8L Tier 4 Final/Euromot stage V diesel engine rated 154 hp at 2,500 RPM (A Euromot Stage II version is available for export).

The Broderson RT-400-B includes a 4-wheel drive and a 4-wheel steer with four steering modes. The re-designed operators cab has improved visibility, better ergonomics and electronic controls for all functions, the company said. The crane function controls include a fine control mode for increased controllability in critical lift situations.

A 10-inch, high-definition display provides complete machine data. The Broderson newly developed RCL system features improved display graphics, real-time display of outrigger ground bearing pressure with outrigger pad size input, operator definable working envelope with control soft stops for: swing angle, maximum radius and maximum tip height. The addition of an optional 2-speed main hoist offers line speeds up to 297 feet/minute. Optional telematics and a service connection allows a technician direct access to the CanBus system.

Powerful two-axle
Created as the demand for 140-ton capacity rough terrain cranes was on the rise, Liebherr developed the LRT 1130-2.1 rough terrain crane to meet the growing needs of customers in the USA and Canada. This new model of rough terrain crane provides operators with higher mobility, paired with its 197-foot (60 meter) boom allows the crane to be used for a wider range of applications such as cell tower work, tilt wall construction and more.

The LRT 1130-2.1 offers the largest capacity in its class on two axles, the company said, and its small footprint and lifting capabilities make it attractive to customers who require a lot of power but have limited space on site.

Liebherr said that this model’s telescopic boom is the longest in its class at 197 feet. It consists of the pivot section and six telescopic sections and is extended and bolted fully automatically with the Liebherr Telematik high-speed telescopic system.

The GRT9165’s compact transport dimensions and self-rigging, removable components allow for easy transportation to the job. Capacity: 165 US tons Main boom length: 44.9 to 205 feet (six-section Megaform boom with Twin-Lock pinning system) Swingaway jib length: 58.4 feet (manual or hydraulic), extendable to 84.6 feet with 26.2-foot lattice insert Max tip height: 299 feet Counterweight: 56,800 pounds (hydraulically removable)

Safety was top priority when designing the LRT 1130-2.1, creating an increased safety standard built into the machine, in addition to a cab that can tilt up to 20 degrees to allow operators a better view during lifts, multiple cameras have been placed around the machine to keep all blind spots and winches in full view during operation.

Several safety assistance systems are also standard such as VarioBase, which allows each individual crane support to be positioned independently so operators can perform lifts safely even with a restricted working area.

Unique to its class of powerful 2-axle all-terrain cranes, the LRT 1130-2.1 can be transported on low-loaders worldwide. This provides an economical solution for customers and simplifies the transport process between projects.

Six-wheel drive
The 160-ton RTC-80160 Series II is Link-Belt Cranes’ largest rough terrain crane, featuring 195 feet of main boom and an optional three-piece stowable fly (10-31-55 feet). The six-wheel drive and six-wheel steer hydraulic propulsion system allow for a tight turning radius and a compact, low-profile design.

Hydraulic motors instead of mechanical axles are used under this crane, making the turning radius very tight, which allows the crane access to places other cranes, even other six-wheel machines, cannot go.

On site the RTC-80160 Series II offers large capacities with its 195 feet of main boom. It also has 10 feet of heavy-duty fly incorporated into its three-piece on-board fly. This 10-foot fly is offsetable and can be multi-parted, offering the crane a distinct advantage over competing models.

This may be demonstrated at a crowded industrial job site, where working up and over pipe racks is required. With four tires under one end instead of the typical two, the RTC-80160 Series II offers huge capacity when it comes to pick and carry, the company said.

Highest capacity
At the top end of the rough-terrain crane spectrum, Manitowoc’s Grove GRT9165 is the highest-capacity rough-terrain crane in the industry, the company said. The crane has a 165-ton capacity and class-leading reach on a compact three-axle platform, Manitowoc said.

Its six-section Megaform boom with Twin-lock pinning system spans from 44.9 to 205 feet. Customers can equip the GRT9165 with a 58.4-foot manual or hydraulic swingaway jib, which extends to 84.6 feet when paired with a 26.2-foot lattice insert. The jib can be offset up to 50 degrees. The maximum tip height with this configuration is 299 feet.

The GRT9165’s compact transport dimensions and self-rigging, removable components allow for easy transportation to the job and fast setup once on site. Operationally, this RT includes a full-vision cab with 20-degree cab tilt, a standard three-camera package and Grove’s Crane Control System.

As telematics and remote diagnostics become essential, Sany is investing in digital tools to help owners track utilization, plan maintenance and maximize uptime. Sany SRA1200A Capacity: 120 US tons Main boom length: 41 to 183 feet 7 inch six-section pinning formed boom Fixed jib length: 34.4-to-59-foot 1 inch (hydraulically power-assisted jib) Max tip height: 250 feet Counterweight: 29,800 pounds (hydraulically removable)

Gaining traction
Sany America’s rough terrain crane lineup has been gaining traction in North America, and the 120-ton SRA1200A is a prime example of why. Despite a slow start to 2025, partly due to tariff challenges and logistical delays, momentum has picked up after a new tariff agreement eased import pressures, Sany said.

Several large shipments are scheduled through the end of the year. With several large shipments scheduled, Sany is positioning itself as a serious contender in the large-capacity RT segment.

Powered by a Cummins QSB6.7 engine delivering 270 hp, the SRA1200A pairs American power with robust Sany engineering. The crane features four steering modes for nimble handling and a smart load moment indicator. First-time users remark about the smooth operation, visibility and refined control feel.

Tough duty
The Tadano GR-1600XL is a heavy-duty rough-terrain crane designed for jobsites where strength, reach and mobility are essential. It has a lifting capacity of 160 tons, making it one of the most powerful cranes in its class.

Its six-section telescopic boom extends from 42.8 feet to 200.1 feet, allowing a maximum lifting height of 201.1 feet with a working radius of about 185 feet. To further extend its reach, the GR-1600XL comes with a two-stage bi-fold lattice jib in either 33.8 feet or 59.1 feet. Optional jib inserts increase the maximum tip height to 302.5 feet.

It is powered by a Cummins QSB6.7 diesel engine producing 270 hp. It travels on a 6×4×6 drive steer and features advanced suspension and multiple steering modes: two-wheel, four-wheel, six-wheel and crab.

The Tadano GR-1600XL is designed for heavy construction and industrial jobs. Capacity: 160 US tons Main boom length: 42.8 to 200.1 feet Hydraulic offset jib length: 33.8 feet or 59.1 feet Max lifting height: 302.5 feet [Boom] Counterweight: 64,600 pounds

The GR-1600XL includes Hello-Net telematics, which allows remote monitoring of usage and performance. It also features Eco-Mode for fuel efficiency and a load moment indicator (AML-C) that alerts operators when approaching lifting limits. Additional safety systems include anti-two-block protection, outrigger sensors and a swing lock. It has self-removable counterweights (standard 40,100 pound, optional 24,500 pound), easy-removable outrigger boxes, making transport and setup easier.

Versatile lifter

The TRT 100US is safe, efficient, reliable, has a compact design, and can provide high performance on any terrain. It features the new TEOS Terex Operating System, on a 10-inch touch screen display. The control system has a new user interface with improved information flow and accessibility. Additional key features include an extra wide tiltable cabin, four steering modes, and an ergonomic customizable electro-proportional joystick.

The 100-ton Terex TRT 100US has the new TEOS Terex Operating system. Capacity: 100 US tons Main boom length: 154 feet Fixed jib length: 30 to 56 feet Max boom length: 217 feet Counterweight: 22,000 pounds

The counterweights are self-removable which aids in operational efficiency, stability, and transportability. The TRT 100US is suited for many applications including infrastructure, port, mining, yard logistics, general lifting, construction, and energy related.