Metro railways are now linking cities at a rapid pace, industrial parks are expanding, and huge bridges are under construction connecting regions that rivers once divided.
Whenever you see those projects come to fruition, there’s always one constant: the construction crane.
It’s the silent workhorse that keeps projects on schedule and workers safe. Whether it is lifting 200 tonnes of bridge girders, lifting precast segments for a metro project, or lifting modules for a refinery, cranes are what makes complex engineering seem easy.
For site engineers and project managers, selecting the right crane is not just a technical decision, it is a strategic decision. The wrong lifting equipment can delay completion and increase costs; the right machine can save you weeks, and potentially crores of rupees worth of savings.
In this article, we will take a look at the various types of construction cranes used on jobsites around India and how companies are making sound hiring decisions with cranes that are the best combination of efficiency and costs.
Every job site has its own terrain, load demand, and space limitations.
That’s why one crane never fits all.
Here’s how each major construction crane type plays its role in India’s growing infrastructure scene.
If you spend a day on a bridge or refinery site, it won’t be long before you see a crawler crane in action.
These are the real power machines - big, durable, and made for working in harsh ground conditions.
Unlike wheeled cranes, crawlers run on tracks, which allow for unmatched stability on slush or soft soil.
Bridge construction, windmill erection, industrial plants, and power projects.
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In bridge projects, a crawler crane’s stability often determines whether deadlines are met or missed.
If your project stretches across multiple sites, a mobile crane is what you’ll rely on.
Contractors love them because they’re quick to set up and can move through city roads without special trailers.
In metro construction, where every day counts, mobile cranes are often the first to arrive and the last to leave.
Metro projects, precast lifting, and inner-city infrastructure.
Check Mobile vs Crawler Crane →
Many project heads call mobile cranes the “Swiss army knife” of construction. Versatile, reliable, and always ready.
When a job demands height and control, like lifting modules inside industrial plants the telescopic boom crane takes over.
It has a sleek, efficient design that is constructed specifically for narrower or vertical spaces.
With a boom that extends, operators can adjust the height quickly, which is beneficial for assembly and maintenance.
Industrial projects, plant maintenance, and logistics operations.
Purchasing a crane may appear to be a robust long-term action, until you factor in the capital lock-up, maintenance cost, and certification troubles.
That is why the vast majority of EPC companies and contractors now use construction lifting equipment rentals.
It's adaptable, value-for-money, and provides exposure to premium gear with no ownership worries.
Looking for a reliable rental partner?
Pro Tip: Long-term rentals will reduce your day rates, and machine availability will never be a problem when schedules get tighter.
Here’s what many experienced project engineers follow as a simple rule:
“Choose your crane based on terrain, capacity, and continuity.”
Let’s break it down with real-world examples.
Project Type |
Recommended Crane |
Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Metro Projects | Mobile Crane | Fast to move between sites |
| Bridge Construction | Crawler Crane | Stability on heavy lifts |
| Industrial Plants | Telescopic Boom Crane | Compact and height adjustable |
| Power Projects | Crawler Crane | Reliable for continuous lifts |
| Refineries | Telescopic Crane | Ideal for restricted work areas |
When your equipment type aligns with the project’s ground reality, you save money, reduce delays, and improve safety across teams.
A lot of project managers skip this step and regret it later. Before renting, always review:
Reliable providers like Express Cranes give complete documentation, periodic inspection reports, and on-site assistance, so your team can focus on work, not worries.
Ask any site manager who’s worked with us, and they’ll tell you the same thing:
“Express Cranes delivers what others promise.” For over 20 years, we’ve supported India’s biggest infrastructure and industrial projects with dependable equipment and trained professionals.We don't just rent cranes, we build partnerships that lift your project from planning to completion.
Let's talk about your next project today.
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