The Bauma China 2024 trade show in Shanghai, held in late November, showcased a diverse lineup of innovative tower cranes from industry leaders including Dahan, Elmak, Huba, Jinnta...
The Bauma China 2024 trade show in Shanghai, held in late November, showcased a diverse lineup of innovative tower cranes from industry leaders including Dahan, Elmak, Huba, Jinnta, Liugong (Join Hands), Topsky, XCMG, Yongmao, Zoomlion, Liebherr, and Manitowoc (Potain). Despite the ongoing recession in China’s residential construction market, which has led to a reported 40% drop in domestic sales for some companies, manufacturers used the event to demonstrate resilience and focus on export opportunities.
A major highlight of the event was Manitowoc’s unveiling of the Potain MCT 2205 M80, a flat-top tower crane designed for the Asian market. Manufactured at the Zhangjiagang plant in China, the crane boasts an 80-tonne capacity, an 80-meter jib, and a freestanding height of up to 99.9 meters with a two-size combination mast. Its efficient transportability, requiring just 16 trailers or containers for the entire slewing section and 11 jib sections, makes it ideal for diverse applications. NFT CEO Nabil Al Zahlawi sealed a deal for eight units of this model during the show, destined for Saudi Arabia’s Trojena tourist resort project, where the cranes will work at a hook height of 94 meters.
Huba also stood out with the introduction of its T80230-100, a flat-top tower crane with a 100-tonne capacity and a 2,300 tonne-meter rating. This crane, with a maximum 83-meter jib and a tip load of 23 tonnes, is designed for large-scale projects such as nuclear power plants, bridges, and other infrastructure. Its 170 kW hoist motor ensures lifting speeds of up to 38.6 meters per minute, emphasizing its capabilities for heavy-duty construction.
XCMG impressed with its XGL900-65S, a 65-tonne luffing jib crane featuring a 900 tonne-meter rating and a maximum 70-meter jib. This model, with a compact tail swing radius of 9 meters, is well-suited for dense urban environments and high-rise construction. Similarly, Yongmao reported a resurgence in demand for high-capacity cranes, with several of its 64-tonne and 50-tonne luffers currently deployed on the Taipei Twin Tower project.
Liugong, a relative newcomer to tower cranes, showcased its Join Hands brand, acquired three years ago. The mid-range PT7025A-12 flat-top model, with a 12-tonne capacity and a 70-meter jib, was a highlight. The company also displayed the slewing platform and tower section of its largest luffer, the JHD660A-50, a 50-tonne crane designed for demanding projects.
Dahan brought two key models to the event: the DH620 8530 flat top and the D6090 hydraulic luffer. The DH620 offers a maximum 80-meter jib and comes in 25 and 32-tonne versions, while the D6090, with a maximum lift of 45 tonnes, features a hydraulic luffing mechanism tailored for constrained job sites.
Zoomlion showcased the RL205-10/12, a hybrid flat-top luffing jib crane with a 200 tonne-meter rating. This compact model, with a 12-tonne capacity and a minimum out-of-service radius of 10 meters, is designed for tight urban spaces. Meanwhile, Topsky’s TL 430 luffer, with a 26-tonne capacity and a 60-meter jib, demonstrated versatility for mid-sized projects.
Elmak, the Turkish manufacturer, highlighted its ETT6518-10 flat top and EMD100-16 derrick crane. The ETT6518-10, with a 10-tonne capacity and a 65-meter jib, targets conventional construction projects, while the EMD100-16 serves dual purposes as a construction and dismantling crane, with modular sections small enough to fit in a standard elevator.
Jinnta introduced the QTPB250, a 12-tonne flat-top crane capable of freestanding to 60 meters. Its 70-meter jib and maximum hoist speed of 96 meters per minute make it ideal for high-rise construction.
The event underscored the growing focus on innovation and adaptability among manufacturers. Chinese companies like Huba are expanding their global reach, with sales in countries such as India, Pakistan, Korea, Russia, Colombia, and the UAE. Huba alone produces up to 1,000 cranes annually in strong years and is actively establishing dealerships worldwide.
Despite economic challenges, the tower crane industry demonstrated its resilience at Bauma China 2024. Manufacturers are responding to market demands with advanced features like hydraulic luffing systems, modular designs, and improved transport logistics. From flat tops to heavy-duty luffers, the innovations on display highlighted the industry's capacity to support global construction needs. Brands like Dahan, Elmak, Huba, Jinnta, Liugong, Topsky, XCMG, Yongmao, Zoomlion, Liebherr, and Manitowoc set a high bar for what’s to come in the evolving world of construction tower cranes.