All-Terrain Cranes vs Crawler Cranes: Which is Best for Your Project?
All-terrain cranes and crawler cranes are two common choices that are frequently discussed when selecting the best crane for a construction or heavy lifting project. While both serve similar lifting functions, their design, mobility, and ideal use cases are quite different.
What Is an All-Terrain Crane?
An all-terrain crane is a mobile, adaptable crane. With a combination of the off-road capabilities of a rough-terrain crane with the roadability of a truck-mounted crane. It offers versatility in multiple settings and is made for both smooth highways and rough construction sites.
Key Features:
- Wheeled base suitable for on-road and off-road travel
- Telescopic boom for varied lifting reach
- Multiple axles for better weight distribution and stability
- Quick setup and high mobility
- Best suited for short-term or quick projects
What Is a Crawler Crane?
A crawler crane is a heavy-duty lifting machine mounted on a set of tracks (also known as crawlers). These cranes are known for their impressive lifting capacity and stability—especially on soft, uneven, or muddy ground.
Key Features:
- Tracked base for superior stability without outriggers
- High lifting capacity for large-scale jobs
- Can move short distances on-site while carrying a load
- Requires disassembly for transport and longer setup time
- Perfect for long-duration or heavy-load projects
All-Terrain vs. Crawler Cranes: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | All-Terrain Crane | Crawler Crane |
| Mobility | Highway legal, fast on-site movement | On-site only, not road legal |
| Ground Conditions | Handles moderate off-road terrain | Ideal for soft, muddy, and unstable terrain |
| Lifting Capacity | 40-1200 tons |  40-3500 tons |
| Boom Configuration | Telescopic boom with extensions | Lattice boom with long-reach potential |
| Setup Time | Minimal: ready to lift quickly | Longer: requires assembly and disassembly |
| Transport Needs | Self-propelled | Transported in parts by truck |
When to Choose an All-Terrain Crane?
- All-Terrain cranes are the right choice if your project demands:
- High mobility between multiple job sites.
- Lifting medium to heavy loads up to 1,200 tons.
- Working in areas with limited space but varied terrain.
- A faster setup and teardown process.
- Infrastructure work like utility installation, commercial construction, or short-term plant maintenance.
When to Choose a Crawler Crane?
- Crawler Cranes shine in scenarios that require:
- Extremely heavy lifts up to 3,500 tons.
- Operation on soft, muddy, or unstable ground.
- Long-term construction projects such as: Wind turbine erection, Bridge and dam construction, Mining operations
- Repetitive lifts in a fixed area where mobility is not a priority.
Final Thoughts: Which Crane Should You Choose?
Both crawler cranes and all-terrain cranes play significant roles in the heavy lifting and construction sectors. Your decision should be based on the project’s duration, load capacity, mobility needs, and terrain conditions. An all-terrain crane might be your best option if your project calls for mid-range lifting and frequent relocation. A crawler crane is the best option for long-term, heavy lifting jobs that require no movement.
Need help choosing the right crane for your next project?
Reach out to the experts at AOR Cranes – Australia’s trusted crane hire specialists – to get the job done safely and efficiently, no matter the scale or complexity.
AOR Cranes is dedicated to delivering top-notch crane hire services with safety, reliability, and expertise at the core. With over 30 years of experience, we handle every project with care and expertise to meet your needs.
