What are the top crane stories of 2022?

As we come towards the end of 2022, and perhaps ponder what 2023 might bring for the crane and specialized tranpsort sectors respectively, it can be easy to forget that this year has seen plenty of change for manufacturers.

From unique lifting projects, the return of in-person events and record breaking equipment launches, this year has largely been successful for the industry. With that in mind, here are 10 of the biggest crane stories of 2022.

In-person events returned this year, as shown at the 2022 ESTA Awards of Excellence. Photo: ESTA

10. ESTA award winners announced

In March, the results of the 2022 ESTA Awards of Excellence were announced at a ceremony in the Netherlands.

In total, 11 awards were handed out, with the Gino Koster Award for lifetime achievement going to Jan IJmker, former CEO of Mammoet Transport.

The full list of winners can be found here.

9. ICm20 table shows largest crane manufacturers in the world

Every year International Cranes and Specialized Transport (ICST) publishes the ICm20, a comprehensive review of the largest crane manufacturers in the world.

The list ranks the world’s largest crane manufacturers according to the value of their crane-related sales activity.

The latest list, published in the November edition of ICST, saw the top three companies remain the same, with XCMG coming out on top.

8. 100 tonne crawler crane launched by Sennebogen

Sennebogen’s 100 tonne capacity 6103 E telescopic boom crawler crane launched in January 2022. Photo: Sennebogen

At the beginning of the year, Germany-based Sennebogen launched the Telecrane 6103 E, a 100 tonne capacity telescopic boom crawler crane.

With a maximum reach of 62 metres and a five section pinned boom that is 46.8 metres long, the Telecrane 6103 E was launched to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Sennebogen selling this crane type all around the world.

The machine is powered by a 186 kW diesel engine to exhaust emission standard EU Stage V.

7. New CEO appointed by Manitex

Michael Coffey was appointed as CEO of Manitex International in April, with the former AMECO and Hitachi Construction Machinery executive replacing Steve Filipov.

Coffey has spent 25 years in the heavy equipment industry, and, according to CFO Joe Doolan, will be “instrumental in helping us chart our path forward as a provider of equipment into the industrial marketplace.”

6. Crosby to acquire Kito

Crosby has acquired multiple companies in recent years. Photo: Crosby

Crosby Group announced its intentions to acquire Japanese hoist and industrial crane manufacturer Kito Corporation back in May, with the acquisition gaining all regulatory clearances in September.

Robert Desel, Crosby Group CEO, said the deal will “allow customers access to a broad selection of lifting and material handling solutions from one trusted manufacturer.”

The US$438 million deal is expected to formally be completed by Q1 of 2023.

5. Sany delivers 3,000 tonne crawler to power plant project

2022 saw Chinese manufacturer Sany deliver the first unit of its 3,000 tonne capacity crawler crane to the Hualong One nuclear power station.

The SCC52000TM, which is described by Sany as a “two-in-one” crawler crane, is being used for dome lifting at the plant.

According to the company, the machine combines 2,000 tonne and 1,600 tonne capacity crawler cranes and can lift 278 tonnes on a 68 metre radius, and 581 tonnes when in combined mode at the same radius.

4. Zoomlion claims 2,400 tonne AT crane record

Zoomlion’s 2,400 tonne capacity ZAT24000H all terrain crane is primarily aimed at wind turbine erection applications. Photo: Zoomlion

The all terrain crane capacity record was broken in June by crane manufacturer Zoomlion with the 2,400 tonne capacity ZAT24000H.

According to the company, the giant is aimed at wind turbine erection applications and allows installation of turbines up to 160 metres tall.

Huanghua Haibin Lifting Installing Engineering Co was the first company to utilise the ZAT24000H, when it took delivery of two units in June. 

3. IC100 reveals top 100 crane-owning companies in the world

ICST revealed the top 100 crane-owning companies in the world as part of the IC100 (formerly IC50), with Dutch firm Mammoet coming out on top on the 2022 list.

The IC50 has been rebranded as the IC100. Photo: KHL

The company extended its lead at the top of the IC100, with second placed Sarens some 837,946 IC index points behind, while Buckner Heavy Lift Cranes completed the top three.

Elsewhere, China-based Shandong Gulf Lifting Engineering placed in ninth, and as such, represent the only new entry in the top 10 this year. 

The full IC100 list can be found in the June edition of ICST.

2. BMS orders 3,000 tonne capacity ring crane

Danish crane rental company BMS Heavy Cranes ordered a 3,000 tonne capacity fully electric ring crane from Huisman at the start of 2022. 

The crane will be able to lift components weighing 1,200 tonnes to a height of 225 metres, and loads weighing 3,000 tonnes will be manageable at reduced height, according to Huisman.

The Huisman Ringer Crane has a modular ring design so it can be rigged with a full 360 degree circle or just a segment. Production of the machine started in June, and is expected to be ready for the second half of 2023.

1. Liebherr unveils 2,500 tonne crawler crane

Liebherr LR 12500-1.0 on the test pad in Ehingen with just the back mast and no main boom. Photo: Liebherr

Liebherr-Werk Ehingen launched the 2,500 tonne LR 12500-1.0 crawler crane in April, with the first delivery taken by heavy lift and transport specialist Sarens.

The crane has a maximum length of 100 metres and can be extended using sections from the luffing jib, while its maximum tip height of around 200 metres is achieved with 100 metre main boom and 108 metre luffing jib. 

It features two engines which, when combined, deliver output of 800 kW which the company says means it can be operated at reduced speed with one engine, allowing it to be placed in a safe position.

The machine is expected to be delivered to Sarens by Q1 of 2023.