What Is a Spider Crane? Uses, Tonnage, Application Scenarios & Selection Guide | Onchtech
Compact lifting equipment for confined-space lifting
A spider crane (Spider Crane) is a compact mobile lifting machine that uses a crawler chassis, telescopic boom and multi-outrigger stabilization system. Compared with conventional lifting equipment that requires larger entry and working space, spider cranes place greater emphasis on narrow passage capability, confined-space setup, adaptability to complex ground and the ability to work close to the lifting point.
Common applications include indoor equipment installation, glass curtain wall construction, industrial plant maintenance, floor and roof lifting, power facility construction, steel structure installation and construction areas that are difficult for traditional large lifting equipment to access. When selecting a spider crane, do not look only at rated tonnage; you must also verify load weight, actual working radius, required lifting height, entry dimensions, outrigger deployment space and ground bearing conditions.
What is a spider crane?
The name “spider crane” mainly comes from the appearance of the machine after its outriggers are deployed. Multiple outriggers extend around the body and form stable support at the lifting position, resembling spider legs, so it is commonly called a spider crane, spider-type crane or Spider Crane.
These machines usually use a combination of crawler travel chassis + multi-section telescopic boom + independent outriggers. The machine can first pass through narrow passages in a compact state, then deploy its outriggers at the target area for leveling and support, thereby solving both “whether it can enter the site” and “whether it can complete the lift”.
It should be noted that a marked tonnage such as 1.2 tons, 2 tons, 5 tons or another value usually represents the maximum rated lifting capacity under specific conditions. It does not mean that the machine can still lift the same weight at maximum working radius or maximum lifting height. Actual lifting capacity should be based on the corresponding model’s Load Chart and on-site working conditions.
What parts does a spider crane usually consist of?
Crawler travel system
The crawler chassis helps the machine move through narrow passages, factory workshops and some complex construction ground. Different tonnage products may use rubber tracks or steel tracks, and the choice should be made according to ground conditions.
Telescopic boom
The multi-section telescopic boom covers different lifting heights and horizontal distances. The longer the boom is extended and the larger the working radius, the allowable lifting capacity usually changes accordingly.
Multi-outrigger stabilization system
The spider-type outriggers form stable support at the working position. Different models have different outrigger structures, extension ranges and adjustment methods. During selection, the available outrigger space on site must also be checked.
Power and control system
Depending on the model and market requirements, different engines, emission solutions and operating configurations can be matched. Some models can also be equipped with wireless remote controls, moment control or display systems.
What tonnages are available for spider cranes? 1.2 t to 16 t specification reference
Spider cranes are not single-specification equipment. Onchtech’s current crawler spider crane products cover multiple specifications from 1.2 t to 16 t. Different models differ significantly in overall width, lifting height and maximum working radius.
| Specification | Max. ground lifting height | Max. working radius | Overall width | Operating weight | Selection focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 t | 6.3 m | 5.35 m | 0.65 m | 1.3 T | Extremely narrow passages, fine indoor lifting |
| 1.5 t | 6.5 m | 6 m | 0.65 m | 1.7 T | Indoor, curtain wall and equipment installation |
| 2 t | 6.5 m | 6 m | 0.71 m | 1.8 T | Compact spaces and small to medium lifting |
| 3 t | 10.8 m | 10 m | 0.8 m | 2.7 T | Higher lifting points, indoor and building construction |
| 4 t | 15 m | 13 m | 1.0 m | 3.0 T | Plant maintenance, floors and steel structure lifting |
| 5 t | 17 m | 15 m | 1.5 m | 6.7 T | Industrial equipment, power and larger component lifting |
| 8 t | 21 m | 18 m | 1.6 m | 8.7 T | Heavy industry and complex terrain projects |
| 10 t | 21 m | 18 m | 1.8 m | 10.5 T | Heavy equipment, steel structures and engineering lifting |
| 12 t | 21 m | 19 m | 1.86 m | 12.5 T | Large-scale industry and high-load lifting |
| 16 t | 25 m | 23 m | 2.13 m | 16.5 T | High altitude, heavy loads and large engineering projects |
Important: The “maximum rated lifting capacity, maximum working radius and maximum lifting height” in the table do not mean they can be achieved simultaneously. The actual allowable load varies with working radius, boom length, angle and outrigger status. Project selection must further check the load chart of the corresponding model.
What scenarios are spider cranes mainly used for?
The core value of a spider crane is usually not simply pursuing larger tonnage, but completing lifts under conditions where traditional equipment has difficulty approaching the lifting point. Therefore, it is especially suitable for the following types of projects:
- Glass curtain walls and building installation: lifting glass, steel components and installation materials in commercial atriums, building interiors or near exterior walls.
- Industrial plant equipment maintenance: used for machine tools, production equipment, molds and parts replacement, as well as lifting positions not covered by overhead cranes.
- Floor and roof lifting: when equipment transport dimensions, site area and lifting point position are restricted, equipment layout can be arranged according to floor bearing capacity and the lifting plan.
- Power and substation construction: completing component installation, maintenance and equipment positioning in areas with dense equipment and restricted passages.
- Steel structures and large projects: medium and large spider cranes can serve construction needs with higher lifting points, longer working radius and heavier components.
- Complex terrain projects: the crawler chassis and independent outrigger structure can be used in construction environments requiring assessment of slopes, muddy roads or irregular ground.
What is the difference between a spider crane and a conventional mobile crane?
| Comparison item | Spider crane | Conventional mobile lifting equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Entry space | Emphasizes compact dimensions; models suitable for narrow entrances can be selected | Usually requires larger road and transfer space |
| Travel method | Crawler travel | Wheeled or other chassis depending on equipment type |
| Support method | Multiple outriggers deployed to form working support | Corresponding outrigger system according to crane type |
| Typical advantages | Confined spaces, indoor work, close to lifting point and complex site layout | Open sites, large lifts and long-distance road transfer, etc. |
| Selection focus | Weight, radius, lifting height, entry dimensions, outrigger space and ground conditions | Lifting capacity, site, road conditions and overall project construction plan |
The two types of equipment are not simply substitutes. Open sites and large-scale lifting may be more suitable for other types of lifting equipment, while when a project is restricted by entry, space, ground or lifting point position, a spider crane is usually worth further evaluation.
How to choose the right spider crane tonnage?
Spider crane selection should not start with “how many tons do I want”, but should work backward from the real lifting conditions to determine the equipment specification.
- Confirm the load weight. Record the weight of the load itself and also consider additional weight from hooks, slings, spreader beams, vacuum lifters or other rigging.
- Measure the actual horizontal working radius. The horizontal distance from the machine center to the final lifting point often affects actual lifting capacity more than “maximum tonnage”.
- Confirm the required lifting height. In addition to the target height, consider the load’s own dimensions, rigging height and overhead obstacles on site.
- Check entry dimensions. Measure door clear width, clear height, corridor width, turning space, elevator or transport passage dimensions in advance, and compare them with the machine’s folded dimensions.
- Check the outrigger deployment area. The machine being able to enter the site does not mean it can work. You must confirm whether outrigger deployment will be restricted by walls, equipment, trenches or other obstacles.
- Evaluate ground bearing capacity and slope. Indoor floor slabs, underground spaces, cable trench covers, soft ground or slopes require separate assessment of machine travel and outrigger load conditions.
- Finally, check the load chart. According to load weight, radius, lifting height and actual boom status, use the corresponding equipment load chart to determine whether it meets project requirements, rather than only comparing the rated tonnage in the product name.
Quick selection: answer these 6 questions first
As long as the above information can be provided, the equipment supplier can further narrow the selectable models based on the load chart and specific configuration.
Spider crane FAQs
Does the “5 tons” marked on a spider crane mean it can lift 5 tons at any position?
No. Rated tonnage usually corresponds only to specified boom and working radius conditions. As the boom extends or the working radius increases, the allowable lifting capacity changes, so the load chart of that model must be checked.
Is a spider crane suitable for indoor use?
Some compact models are suitable for indoor or narrow-area equipment installation and maintenance, but entry dimensions, floor bearing capacity, outrigger positions, power method, ventilation conditions and on-site safety management requirements must also be verified.
Is larger tonnage always better?
No. Larger tonnage usually also means a larger body, self-weight and outrigger deployment space. If the machine cannot pass through the entrance, the floor cannot bear the weight, or the outriggers do not have enough space, even larger tonnage may not suit the project.
What is the most important parameter when choosing a spider crane?
The most critical are load weight, actual working radius and lifting height. After that, equipment dimensions, outrigger space and ground conditions also need to be checked. Comparing maximum tonnage alone is usually not enough to complete a correct selection.
What information should be prepared before asking a manufacturer for a quotation?
It is recommended to provide load weight and dimensions, lifting point height, maximum horizontal distance, site entrance dimensions, available outrigger space, ground conditions, project country or region, and requirements for power, emission and control configuration.
Onchtech spider crane products and project support
Onchtech is a brand of Hunan Hongchang Machinery Co., Ltd. focusing on complete engineering machinery products. Its current crawler spider crane products cover multiple lifting capacity levels and can be matched to different projects based on load weight, working radius, lifting height, passage dimensions and power and control requirements.
During the inquiry or selection stage, it is recommended to provide specific lifting conditions, not only the target tonnage. Further checking load charts, equipment dimensions, outrigger range and configuration requirements according to project data can more effectively determine suitable models. Hunan Hongchang Machinery also supports cooperation models such as OEM, ODM and OBM. Specific product configuration and delivery content are subject to the actual order and technical confirmation documents.
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