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Put simply, large cranes are powerful lifting machines designed to handle heavy, complex or high-reach lifting across a range of sectors such as construction, infrastructure, energy, industrial manufacturing and more. From bridge and wind farm installations to factory relocations and large-scale construction, these cranes play a major role in keeping demanding projects moving safely and efficiently.
In this guide, we’ll explain what these cranes are, explore the main types of large cranes and look at their lifting capabilities, common applications and which type of crane is best suited to different projects. For expert support with complex lifting requirements, get in touch with Ainscough’s specialist heavy crane team today.
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While there is no single industry definition of what qualifies as a “large” crane, they are generally cranes with a high lifting capacity that are used on a variety of major projects. They are often required when lifts involve substantial weights, difficult site conditions, extended lifting radii or significant working heights.
Projects that commonly rely on the capabilities of large cranes include bridge installations, wind farm developments, factory relocations, rail possessions and other kinds of major infrastructure works. Many modern large cranes are also designed for mobility, allowing them to be transported and deployed efficiently.
Modern large cranes bring together advanced engineering, significant lifting power and sophisticated control systems to ensure efficiency, precision and safety. They can include all terrain cranes, crawler cranes, mobile tower cranes and specialist heavy cranes with lifting capacities ranging from tens of tonnes to 800 tonnes and beyond. We’ll take a look at these crane types in more detail shortly.
As we’ve touched on, there are different types of large cranes available that are suited to a wide variety of projects and requirements. Here are three of the most commonly used crane types from our large crane fleet.
Heavy cranes are designed for large-scale lifting with substantial loads, complex site conditions or significant lifting heights. They are common across infrastructure, industrial, rail and energy projects where standard lifting equipment may not deliver the needed capacity or reach.
Ainscough’s extensive heavy crane fleet includes mobile tower and crawler cranes with lifting capacities ranging from 300 tonnes to 800 tonnes. This includes cranes such as the Liebherr LTM 1300-6.2, Liebherr LTM 1500-8.1 and Liebherr LTM 1750-9.1. They are often used for bridge installations, heavy infrastructure works and other technically demanding projects.
Heavy-duty crawler cranes use a tracked base rather than wheels, allowing them to operate effectively on soft ground and uneven terrain. Their weight is distributed evenly across the tracks, giving them exceptional stability and making them ideal for lifting extremely heavy loads on challenging sites.
Ainscough’s crawler crane fleet includes the Liebherr LR 1300, Terex CC 2500-1 and Terex CC 2800-1, with lifting capacities ranging from 300 tonnes to 600 tonnes. They are commonly used where high lifting capacity and stability across a range of terrains and site types are essential. Their modular design also allows them to be adapted to suit specific project requirements.
Mobile tower cranes combine the lifting capabilities of a tower crane with the flexibility of a mobile crane. Their compact design and fast setup times make them very effective on restricted-access sites, including city centres, refurbishment projects and industrial environments with very limited space.
Ainscough’s mobile tower crane fleet includes the Liebherr MK88, Liebherr MK140 and Spierings SK 1265 AT6, with lifting capacities of up to 10 tonnes. They can often be set up in under 20 minutes and offer benefits like reduced setup costs, lower emissions and improved site flexibility. Their ability to operate using existing site electricity supplies also makes them a practical solution for projects where environmental impact and operational efficiency are important.
With so many types of large cranes available from our extensive fleet, we are adept at delivering the right solution for your specific contract lift requirements across a variety of different sectors.
Large cranes are vital in the construction sector, particularly on high-rise developments, commercial buildings, residential schemes and large-scale refurbishments. Their lifting capacity and reach allow the movement of heavy materials such as structural steelwork and prefabricated components safely and efficiently across busy sites.
We support construction projects throughout the UK with tailored lifting solutions, detailed lift planning, compliance with QHSE protocols and a large fleet that can be adapted to projects of varying size, complexity and site restrictions.
Large cranes are used across the infrastructure sector where substantial lifting capability, detailed planning and strict safety standards are essential. They are commonly required for railway bridge installations, viaduct works, airport developments, road schemes and other major public infrastructure projects.
We support nationwide infrastructure projects with our specialist lift planning, CAD-supported lifting solutions and experienced contract lift teams. Our fleet and nationwide coverage allow us to deliver safe, efficient lifting support.
Large cranes are regularly used across the industrial and manufacturing sectors, where careful planning, minimal disruption and precise lifting are essential. They are often required for factory relocations, telecoms projects, plant installations, heavy machinery movements and maintenance works.
We are adept at meeting your complex industrial lifting requirements with detailed project planning, CAD-supported lift solutions and experienced contract lift managers, helping businesses maintain high safety and operational standards.
Large cranes are essential across the power generation sector, particularly for projects involving wind turbines, power stations, substations and other energy infrastructure. Their high lifting capacity and reach make them ideal for installing large components safely and efficiently in often demanding environments.
At Ainscough, we support power generation projects across conventional and nuclear power stations, and onshore wind farms. Our safety-led approach helps ensure complex lifts are completed efficiently.
Large cranes are incredibly versatile and can be used across other sectors, such as petrochemical, oil and gas and specialist project environments, for often highly complex and technically demanding lifts. These projects can include unusual heavy lifting operations that require specialist planning.
We support these sectors with specialist mobile, crawler and mobile tower cranes, alongside CAD and BIM-supported lift planning and nationwide coverage. Our experience allows us to develop safe, efficient solutions for projects with unusual requirements.
Large cranes use a combination of booms, counterweights, hoist systems, hydraulic technology and advanced control systems to lift and move heavy loads safely. Depending on crane type and your specific requirements, heavy loads can be lifted vertically, moved across the site and positioned with very high precision.
Modern cranes are designed to manage substantial weights without compromising stability, control and efficiency. Understanding what large cranes are and how they function is vital when planning major lifts, and our contract lift managers are here to ensure you always get the right solution for your needs.
Large cranes can be either static or mobile, depending on the project and lifting requirements involved. Static cranes, such as traditional tower cranes, are often used on long-term projects where a fixed lifting position is needed for an extended period.
Many modern large cranes are mobile, including our 400+ cranes – the UK’s largest fleet. This makes travel between sites and deployment very efficient. Different types of large cranes are suited to different applications, with mobile cranes often preferred for infrastructure, industrial and contract lifting projects.
Safety is one of the most important considerations during any lifting operation, and our safety culture is at the heart of everything we do at Ainscough. Everything from ground conditions, lifting radius, load weight, weather, site access and surrounding structures must be assessed before work begins.
Detailed lift planning, risk assessments and strict compliance with regulations such as LOLER and PUWER all play an important role in ensuring safe crane operation. Our Make the Safe Choice ethos underpins every project we undertake, helping ensure lifts are completed safely, efficiently and in line with the latest industry standards.
At Ainscough, we provide specialist lifting solutions for projects ranging from complex infrastructure works to industrial installations and major construction developments. With over 400 cranes across 30 UK locations, we are equipped to support projects of varying size, scale and technical complexity wherever you are. Whatever you need, our experienced contract lift managers, operators and planning teams work closely with you to deliver safe, efficient and reliable lifting. To learn more about our crane fleet or to discuss your lifting requirements, get in touch with our team today for a free quote.
