CAT CLASS: HQ-10165

15+ ton Carry Deck Crane

The 15+ ton carry deck crane represents the heaviest end of the carry deck crane ladder, with lifting capacities from 16 to 22.7 tons and maximum reach extending 50 to 75 feet. These machines handle the largest indoor material-handling tasks where overhead cranes are unavailable and mobile cranes cannot access interior spaces. Thirteen models from Grove, Tadano, and Broderson occupy this top rung of the three-band carry deck classification.

Models

Brands

Cat classes

Pick a size class — capacity and reach differ across the range.

Key specifications

Specification	Typical range	What it means
Lifting capacity	16–23 tons	Maximum rated load at minimum radius; capacity decreases as boom extends and load radius increases.
Maximum reach	50–75 ft (15.2–22.9 m)	Full boom extension with jib; determines ability to reach over structures or place loads at elevation.
Deck capacity	Varies by model	Weight the rear deck can carry while traveling; independent of hook capacity and used for transporting materials between pick points.

How to choose

This size class is specified when lifting heavy plant equipment, structural steel, or machinery inside buildings where a 9–15 ton carry deck crane lacks the capacity or reach for the heaviest picks. Jobs requiring more than 15 tons of lifting capacity at working radius, or boom reach beyond 50 feet in confined industrial settings, justify the larger frame and higher operating weight of these machines. For lighter HVAC units, smaller fabrications, or general indoor material handling under 15 tons, the 9–15 ton Carry Deck Crane offers better maneuverability in tighter spaces. No larger carry deck class exists; projects exceeding these capacities require rough-terrain cranes, all-terrain cranes, or permanent overhead systems.

What this size handles

Positioning large CNC machines, presses, or production equipment inside manufacturing plants
Setting heavy turbine components or generators in power facilities with ceiling clearance restrictions
Installing structural steel or precast panels in multi-story buildings under construction
Handling transformer vaults, switchgear, or electrical equipment in substations and data centers
Moving heavy molds, dies, or tooling within foundries and fabrication shops
Placing boilers, chillers, or air handlers in mechanical rooms with limited access

Safety & operation

Load charts must account for boom angle, radius, and ground conditions; capacity diminishes significantly as radius increases
Floor loading calculations critical in industrial settings; outrigger or tire pressure can exceed slab design limits
Overhead clearance planning essential; boom and jib length can contact structural elements, utilities, or cranes during swing
Certified operators required in most jurisdictions; machines in this class fall under OSHA crane operator certification requirements

Transport & logistics

Requires heavy-duty lowboy or tilt-deck trailer rated for 40,000+ lb loads; operating weight typically exceeds highway limits without permits
Professional transport recommended due to dimensions and weight; most models exceed standard trailer capacities
Some units transport in multiple pieces with boom removed; reassembly required on site

Power & supply

Diesel-powered with fuel tanks sized for full-shift operation; typical consumption 2–4 gallons per hour under load
Four-wheel drive standard on most models for self-loading and positioning on site without auxiliary equipment
No external power required; fully self-contained for operation in buildings without utility access

Frequently asked

How does capacity compare to a similar-ton rough-terrain crane?

Carry deck cranes sacrifice some lifting capacity at extended radius compared to rough-terrain cranes of similar rating, trading reach for the compact footprint and four-wheel steering needed for indoor operation and tight maneuvering.

What floor load do these machines impose?

Outrigger or tire loads typically range from 15,000 to 30,000 lb per pad depending on model and configuration; structural engineers must verify slab capacity, particularly over basements or on elevated decks.

Can these cranes operate on building floors above grade?

Operation on elevated floors requires structural engineering approval; the combined machine weight, load, and dynamic forces often exceed typical floor design limits without temporary shoring or reinforcement.

Compare popular models

Find by spec →

Normalised to the same units. A dash means the figure was not published.

Model	Lifting capacity	Max reach
Broderson IC-250	35,274 lb (16 t)	50 ft (15.2 m)
Broderson IC-280	39,683 lb (18 t)	63 ft (19.2 m)
Broderson IC-400	50,706 lb (23 t)	75 ft (22.9 m)
Grove GCD20	39,683 lb (18 t)	54.5 ft (16.6 m)
Grove GCD25	50,706 lb (23 t)	71 ft (21.6 m)
Grove YB5518	35,274 lb (16 t)	55 ft (16.8 m)