Types of Cranes Used in Construction in India
India's booming construction and infrastructure sector relies on a wide variety of crane types for different project requirements. Here's a comprehensive guide to the most common cranes used in Indian construction, industrial and port projects - with details on when and why to use each.
1. Mobile Crane (All-Terrain Crane)
All-terrain cranes are the most versatile heavy cranes in India. They combine on-road speed with off-road capability, making them ideal for construction, bridge and infrastructure projects. Saini Lifters' XCMG QAY series (160T–300T) are among the most powerful all-terrain cranes available for rent in Navi Mumbai.
Best For:
- ✓ Bridge construction
- ✓ Power plant erection
- ✓ Heavy industrial projects
- ✓ Infrastructure works
Typical Capacity:
50T to 500T+
2. Hydra Crane (Pick & Carry)
Hydra cranes are India's most common small crane - compact, rubber-wheeled and able to drive with a load lifted. They are the workhorse of factory floors, construction sites and industrial zones across Navi Mumbai, Panvel and Kalamboli. Available in 8T, 10T and 14T variants.
Best For:
- ✓ Factory machine shifting
- ✓ Industrial maintenance
- ✓ Small construction sites
- ✓ Confined spaces
Typical Capacity:
8T to 14T
3. Crawler Crane
Crawler cranes run on steel tracks, providing maximum stability on soft ground without outriggers. Essential for bridge construction, dam projects and large power plant installations across India.
Best For:
- ✓ Bridge segment lifting
- ✓ Power plant erection
- ✓ Dam construction
- ✓ Long-duration mega projects
Typical Capacity:
80T to 2000T+
4. Tower Crane
Tower cranes are fixed to the ground and used for tall building construction. They offer excellent height but limited mobility. Common on high-rise residential and commercial projects across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
Best For:
- ✓ High-rise buildings
- ✓ Residential towers
- ✓ Commercial construction
- ✓ Fixed-site long projects
Typical Capacity:
2T to 25T (at radius)
5. Farana / Pick & Carry Crane
Farana cranes (pharana) are larger pick-and-carry cranes used in Indian industrial zones. They lift heavier loads than hydra cranes and can drive with the load, making them ideal for industrial zone operations in Navi Mumbai.
Best For:
- ✓ Industrial zones
- ✓ Panvel MIDC operations
- ✓ Heavy factory shifting
- ✓ On-site load transport
Typical Capacity:
20T to 80T
6. Manlift / Boom Lift
Not a crane per se, but classified as aerial work platforms (AWP). Essential for working safely at height - from simple scissor lifts to 185 ft telescopic boom lifts for high-rise and industrial applications across Navi Mumbai.
Best For:
- ✓ High-rise construction
- ✓ Industrial maintenance
- ✓ Painting at height
- ✓ Electrical & telecom work
Typical Capacity:
200–500 kg (workers)
7. Reach Stacker & Container Stacker
Specialised equipment for container handling, primarily used at ports, container yards and logistics facilities near JNPT, Navi Mumbai. Can stack containers 3-high and handle 20ft/40ft ISO containers.
Best For:
- ✓ Port operations
- ✓ Container yards
- ✓ JNPT area logistics
- ✓ Inland container depots
Typical Capacity:
45T
Need a Crane in Navi Mumbai?
Saini Lifters provides all types of cranes on rent in Navi Mumbai, Panvel and Kalamboli since 2001. Call us for a free quote.