CAT CLASS: HQ-10174

Up to 80 ton Telescopic Crawler Crane

Up to 80 ton telescopic crawler cranes combine tracked undercarriages with telescoping booms, enabling them to travel with loads across unstable or soft ground without deploying outriggers. This size class spans compact mini-crawlers rated as low as 1.5 tons through mid-range machines lifting up to 70 tons, covering pipeline assembly, foundation placement, and bridge construction where ground-bearing pressure and mobility dictate equipment choice. The ladder steps up to 80+ ton telescopic crawler cranes for heavier structural work.

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

Key specifications

Specification	Typical range	What it means
Lifting capacity	3,307–154,324 lb (1.5–70 t)	Maximum rated load varies widely; compact units handle materials and light structural work, larger models set precast and heavy mechanical equipment.
Max reach	20–76 ft (6.1–23.2 m)	Telescopic boom extension determines working radius; longer reach suits spread-out pipeline or utility installations.

How to choose

Up to 80 ton telescopic crawler cranes suit projects where ground conditions prevent wheeled or truck-mounted cranes from traveling under load, and where outrigger setup time or footprint is prohibitive. Applications include pipeline stringing across unimproved rights-of-way, foundation work on sloped or marshy sites, and bridge assembly over waterways. When lifting capacity exceeds 70 tons or reach requirements extend beyond 76 feet, the 80+ ton telescopic crawler crane class offers greater structural capacity and boom length for heavy civil and industrial construction.

What this size handles

Pipeline section placement across wetlands and uncompacted fill
Precast foundation element installation on hillside residential developments
Bridge girder positioning over rivers and drainage channels
HVAC unit setting on congested industrial sites with limited outrigger zones
Utility pole and transformer installation along unpaved easements
Structural steel erection in urban areas with restricted street access

Safety & operation

Load charts account for travel with load; operators must verify ground-bearing capacity and slope angles before moving under load
Track width and ground pressure distribution determine safe operation on soft soils; wider tracks spread weight but increase transport complexity
Telescopic boom geometry changes load moment as sections extend; real-time load monitoring systems assist with dynamic lift planning
Proximity to overhead utilities and underground services requires site surveys; boom length and slewing radius often exceed the machine footprint

Transport & logistics

Compact models (under 10 tons) often trailer on standard flatbeds or tilt-beds without permits; larger units require lowboy or RGN trailers
Mid-range machines may exceed legal width when tracked; transport typically involves partial disassembly or specialized permitting
Self-loading capability varies by model; many require auxiliary cranes or forklifts for trailer loading and unloading

Power & supply

Diesel engines power both travel and lifting functions; fuel capacity ranges from small daily-fill tanks on mini-crawlers to larger onboard reservoirs on mid-range units
No external electrical connection required; machines are self-contained for operation in remote or unimproved locations
Emissions tier compliance varies by model year and manufacturer; Tier 4 Final engines are standard on newer machines

Frequently asked

What distinguishes telescopic crawler cranes from lattice-boom crawlers?

Telescopic models use hydraulic boom extension for rapid setup and variable reach, while lattice-boom crawlers require manual assembly but offer greater capacity and height for the same base weight. Telescopic units prioritize mobility and setup speed.

How does track configuration affect ground pressure?

Track width, length, and shoe size determine ground-bearing pressure; wider tracks distribute weight over larger areas, enabling operation on softer soils but increasing transport width. Manufacturers specify ground pressure in psi or kPa for comparison against site geotechnical data.

Can these cranes operate on grades?

Maximum safe operating slope varies by model and load condition, typically ranging from 3 to 5 degrees when lifting. Manufacturers publish grade limits in load charts; exceeding rated slopes shifts the center of gravity and reduces stability.

Compare popular models

Find by spec →

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

Model	Lifting capacity	Max reach
Grove GHC30	59,525 lb (27 t)	33 ft (10.1 m)
Jekko TRX80	17,637 lb (8 t)	65.6 ft (20.0 m)
Kobelco Cranes CK90UR-3	11,023 lb (5 t)	48.5 ft (14.8 m)
Kobelco Cranes CK120UR-3	11,023 lb (5 t)	48.5 ft (14.8 m)
Tadano GTC-350	70,548 lb (32 t)	35 ft (10.7 m)
Tadano GTC-600-2	119,050 lb (54 t)	36 ft (11.0 m)