Spider Crane Size Guide: 1.2–16 Ton Selection
Spider Crane Size Guide: How to Choose from 1.2 to 16 Tons
Choosing a spider crane is not simply a matter of selecting the highest lifting capacity. For contractors, equipment dealers and project buyers, the right machine depends on several factors working together, including load weight, working radius, lifting height, access width, ground conditions and available outrigger space.
Onchtech offers crawler spider cranes ranging from 1.2 tons to 16 tons, covering compact indoor lifting, confined-space construction, industrial equipment handling, steel structure installation and heavy-duty lifting applications.
Quick Answer: How Do I Choose the Right Spider Crane?
Before selecting a spider crane, determine these six basic requirements:
- What is the maximum load weight?
- How far is the load from the crane?
- How high does the load need to be lifted?
- How wide is the access route?
- How much space is available for crane setup and outriggers?
- What are the ground and operating conditions?
Rated tonnage should therefore be treated as only one part of the crane selection process.
Onchtech Spider Crane Size Comparison
The following table provides a quick comparison of the ten spider crane sizes currently available in the Onchtech range.
| Rated Capacity | Self-Weight | Max. Working Radius | Max. Above-Ground Lift | Machine Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 Ton | 1.3T | 5.35 m | 6.3 m | 0.65 m |
| 1.5 Ton | 1.7T | 6 m | 6.5 m | 0.65 m |
| 2 Ton | 1.8T | 6 m | 6.5 m | 0.71 m |
| 3 Ton | 2.7T | 10 m | 10.8 m | 0.8 m |
| 4 Ton | 3T | 13 m | 15 m | 1.0 m |
| 5 Ton | 6.7T | 15 m | 17 m | 1.5 m |
| 8 Ton | 8.7T | 18 m | 21 m | 1.6 m |
| 10 Ton | 10.5T | 18 m | 21 m | 1.8 m |
| 12 Ton | 12.5T | 19 m | 21 m | 1.86 m |
| 16 Ton | 16.5T | 23 m | 25 m | 2.13 m |
1. Start with the Load Weight
The first question is straightforward: What is the heaviest object you need to lift?
However, choosing a 3-ton spider crane simply because the load weighs 3 tons is not enough. Crane lifting capability changes according to boom configuration, lifting radius and operating conditions.
The farther the load is positioned from the crane, the more important it becomes to evaluate the required lifting capacity against the applicable load chart.
For this reason, buyers should provide both the maximum load weight and the required working radius when requesting a model recommendation.
2. Determine the Required Working Radius
Working radius describes the horizontal distance between the crane and the lifting point. It is one of the most important factors in spider crane selection.
Compact Range
1.2T–2T models provide maximum working radii from 5.35 m to 6 m, making them suitable for compact lifting environments.
Mid-Range Models
The 3T, 4T and 5T models extend maximum working radius to 10 m, 13 m and 15 m respectively.
Heavy-Duty Range
The 8T–12T range provides up to 18–19 m of maximum working radius for larger industrial projects.
Maximum Current Reach
The 16-ton Onchtech spider crane provides a maximum working radius of 23 m.
A project requiring only moderate lifting capacity may still need a larger spider crane when the crane must operate farther away from the load or lift across obstacles.
3. Check the Required Lifting Height
After determining the working radius, confirm how high the load or hook must reach. Maximum lifting height varies significantly across different spider crane sizes.
| Spider Crane Size | Maximum Above-Ground Lift |
|---|---|
| 1.2 Ton | 6.3 m |
| 1.5 / 2 Ton | 6.5 m |
| 3 Ton | 10.8 m |
| 4 Ton | 15 m |
| 5 Ton | 17 m |
| 8 / 10 / 12 Ton | 21 m |
| 16 Ton | 25 m |
For rooftop lifting, steel structure installation or work around tall industrial buildings, lifting height can be just as important as rated lifting capacity.
4. Measure the Access Width Before Selecting a Crane
One of the main reasons contractors choose spider cranes is their ability to reach areas where conventional lifting equipment may struggle to enter.
However, not every spider crane has the same machine width. The narrowest point along the complete travel route should therefore be measured before selecting a model.
Compact Spider Cranes for Narrow Access
1.2 Ton Spider Crane
Machine width of approximately 0.65 m, designed for highly restricted access and compact lifting environments.
1.5 Ton Spider Crane
Machine width of approximately 0.65 m, combining compact access with a maximum working radius of 6 m.
2 Ton Spider Crane
Approximately 0.71 m wide, suitable for narrow passages, indoor lifting and restricted construction areas.
3 Ton Spider Crane
Approximately 0.8 m wide while providing a maximum working radius of up to 10 m.
Larger Spider Crane Widths
As capacity and reach increase, machine dimensions also increase: 4T – 1.0 m, 5T – 1.5 m, 8T – 1.6 m, 10T – 1.8 m, 12T – 1.86 m and 16T – 2.13 m.
5. Consider the Available Outrigger Space
Compact travel dimensions do not mean that a spider crane requires no setup space. Outriggers provide support during lifting operations, so the available deployment area must be evaluated before the machine is selected.
Check the following conditions:
- Available working area around the crane
- Nearby walls, columns or structures
- Obstacles around the lifting position
- Ground condition and bearing capacity
- Level differences, slopes or steps
- Required outrigger deployment area
A crane may be able to enter the site but still be unsuitable if there is not enough space to deploy the outriggers correctly.
6. Match the Spider Crane Size to the Application
1.2–2 Ton Spider Cranes: Compact Indoor and Light Lifting
The 1.2T, 1.5T and 2T models focus strongly on compact machine dimensions, with widths ranging from approximately 0.65 m to 0.71 m.
- Indoor glass curtain wall installation
- Exterior wall maintenance
- Floor and rooftop lifting
- Substation and electrical work
- Factory equipment maintenance
- Confined-space lifting
3–4 Ton Spider Cranes: More Reach While Remaining Compact
The 3-ton model provides a maximum working radius of 10 m and a maximum above-ground lift of 10.8 m, while maintaining a width of approximately 0.8 m.
The 4-ton model extends the working radius to 13 m and maximum above-ground lift to 15 m, with a machine width of approximately 1 m.
- Glass curtain wall installation
- Steel structure lifting
- Electrical and substation maintenance
- Factory equipment handling
- Restricted construction sites
5 Ton Spider Crane: Industrial Lifting with Extended Reach
The Onchtech 5-ton spider crane provides a maximum working radius of 15 m and maximum above-ground lift of 17 m.
- Industrial steel structure installation
- Rooftop lifting
- Power facility maintenance
- Curtain wall construction
- Factory equipment relocation
8–16 Ton Spider Cranes: Heavy-Duty and High-Reach Applications
Larger Onchtech spider cranes provide greater lifting height and working radius for industrial and infrastructure applications.
- Industrial steel structure installation
- High-rise floor and rooftop lifting
- Heavy equipment handling
- Substation and power engineering
- Municipal construction
- Bridge maintenance
- Complex outdoor lifting projects
7. Check Ground Conditions and Track Configuration
Site conditions can influence both crawler configuration and crane selection. Smaller and mid-range spider cranes generally use crawler undercarriages that support mobility in compact construction environments.
Several smaller models use rubber tracks, which can be useful where reducing surface impact is important. Larger 10-ton, 12-ton and 16-ton models are specified with steel crawler tracks for heavier-duty operating conditions.
Before selecting a crane, consider:
- Indoor or outdoor operation
- Concrete, paved or unfinished surfaces
- Slopes and uneven terrain
- Ground bearing conditions
- Travel distance between working positions
8. Consider Power and Engine Requirements
Power configuration can also affect spider crane selection, particularly for international buyers operating under different emission or site requirements.
Depending on the model, the current Onchtech range can support different engine brands and configurations, including Honda, Koop, Briggs & Stratton, Changchai, Xinchai, Yanmar, Yuchai, Yunnei, Deutz and Cummins.
Different models can also be configured according to relevant market requirements, including options associated with Euro Stage V and EPA requirements.
The 3-ton and 4-ton spider crane specifications also include diesel engine and electric motor dual-power configurations.
9. Review Optional Spider Crane Equipment
The correct spider crane is not determined by machine size alone. Optional equipment can also influence operating suitability, control and project efficiency.
Remote Control
Can provide operators with a more flexible operating position and improved visibility in certain lifting environments.
Torque Controller
Available on selected configurations to support operating monitoring and lifting safety requirements.
Hydraulic Fly Jib
Can provide additional configuration flexibility for selected lifting conditions and obstacle-related applications.
Customized Configuration
Available options can include work baskets, engine configurations, electrical requirements and customized machine colors.
Spider Crane Selection by Typical Requirement
The following table can be used as an initial reference when narrowing down the Onchtech spider crane range.
| Main Requirement | Models to Consider |
|---|---|
| Extremely narrow access | 1.2T / 1.5T |
| Indoor and confined-space lifting | 1.2T / 1.5T / 2T / 3T |
| Compact size with more reach | 3T / 4T |
| Medium industrial lifting | 4T / 5T |
| Steel structure and rooftop work | 5T / 8T / 10T |
| Heavy-duty industrial lifting | 8T / 10T / 12T / 16T |
| Maximum reach within current range | 16T |
What Information Should You Send Before Requesting a Spider Crane Quote?
Load Weight
What is the maximum weight that needs to be lifted?
Working Radius
What is the horizontal distance between the crane and the load?
Required Lifting Height
What is the maximum height the hook or load must reach?
Access Width
What is the narrowest point the crane must pass through?
Working Area
How much space is available for crane setup and outrigger deployment?
Ground Conditions
Will the crane operate indoors, outdoors, on concrete, uneven terrain or another surface?
Local Market Requirements
Are specific engine brands, emission standards or electrical configurations required?
Frequently Asked Questions
What size spider crane do I need?
The correct size depends on load weight, required working radius, lifting height, access dimensions and site conditions. Rated tonnage alone is not enough to select a crane.
Which spider crane is suitable for narrow access?
Within the current Onchtech range, the 1.2-ton and 1.5-ton models are approximately 0.65 m wide, while the 2-ton model is approximately 0.71 m wide.
Which Onchtech spider crane has the longest working radius?
Within the current 1.2–16 ton range, the 16-ton model provides the largest listed maximum working radius at 23 m.
Which spider crane has the highest lifting height?
The 16-ton model has the highest listed maximum above-ground lift in the current Onchtech range at 25 m.
Can spider cranes be used indoors?
Several compact Onchtech models are designed for indoor, factory, glass installation and confined-space applications. Suitability should still be confirmed according to access width, floor conditions, ventilation, lifting requirements and setup space.
Are different engine options available?
Yes. Engine options vary by model and can include Honda, Yanmar, Yuchai, Deutz, Cummins and other configurations depending on the product and target market.
Choose a Spider Crane Based on the Job, Not Just the Tonnage
A spider crane should be selected according to the complete lifting condition rather than rated capacity alone.
For projects with extremely restricted access, machine width may be the first consideration. For steel structure, rooftop or industrial lifting, working radius and lifting height may become more important. For heavy-duty projects, capacity, ground conditions and available setup space must be evaluated together.
Onchtech currently offers spider cranes from 1.2 tons to 16 tons, covering compact indoor lifting through to heavier industrial and high-reach applications. OEM, ODM and customized configuration support is also available for global B2B customers.
Need Help Selecting a Spider Crane?
Send us the basic information about your lifting project and our team can help you narrow down the appropriate spider crane size and configuration.
Contact Onchtech for spider crane specifications, configuration options and project-based selection support.
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