Tower Crane Trends: Growth, Tech & Market Outlook
Over the past few years, noted Cody Good, sales manager at Wolffkran, contractors on large industrial projects have been increasingly taking advantage of tower cranes. “We’ve been seeing more tower cranes used on large apartment and office buildings,” he said.
Joseph Patton, sales manager at Linden Comansa America, pointed to the growing use of tower cranes in industrial construction. “While this sector has traditionally been dominated by mobile cranes, tower cranes are becoming more prevalent due to their ability to handle higher lifts and larger loads,” he said. “Tower cranes also improve efficiency at power plants and large-scale manufacturing facilities, where there is no room for roadways and a small footprint is needed.”
Bradley Calaman, key account manager for Manitowoc (manufacturer of Potain cranes), said they are seeing tower crane use increase on data center building projects. “Historically, these jobs have used crawler cranes to perform tilt-up work for prefabricated walls,” he said, “but some contractors are finding that a tower crane can perform the same work for about the same cost, and there is no need to move the crane. That removes operations from the job plan and increases efficiency on the site.
“We’re also seeing companies replacing their laydown yard cranes and forklifts with strategically placed tower cranes,” Calaman continued. “The removal and maneuvering of telehandlers or similar equipment can be difficult through a packed yard but a tower crane that doesn’t have to drive up and down rows allows for more space to store more equipment. A tower crane also runs on electric power, which benefits companies looking to decarbonize their operations.”
Combined Advantages
When it comes to specifying and sourcing tower cranes, noted Tobias Scholz, head of market management at Liebherr-Werk Biberach GmbH, working with a crane manufacturer and dealer offers numerous advantages. “Manufacturers can offer customized solutions that are tailored to the specific requirements of the project,” he said.
“Operators also benefit from technical support, training and maintenance services that increase operational efficiency,” Scholz continued, “... and dealers can help with the procurement of spare parts and accessories, which minimizes downtime and lowers the total cost of ownership.”
Robert Kohler, vice president at Crane Tech Solutions LLC, which supplies and services JASO tower cranes, pointed out that local dealers can add value because they understand the intricacies of the local market. “We also provide factory trained technicians and that typically leads to more uptime,” he added.
It’s the best of both worlds for Wolffkran. “Working with the crane manufacturer and a dealer together gets you the customer service of a local dealer with the full support of the manufacturer that designed the crane,” Good said.
“Operators and owners can make sure they are sourcing a crane that fits their needs exactly by working directly with a manufacturer,” said Calaman. “We can even offer case-by-case designs if the standard crane doesn’t quite fit the intended application.”
The combination of manufacturer and dealer input is a benefit for crane operators. “Manufacturers provide essential technical support, including engineering services,” said Patton. “Dealers often serve as intermediaries, ensuring that cranes are optimized for performance in real-world conditions.”
Latest Technologies
Manufacturers all report that new models and technologies continue to improve the efficiency, safety and ease of operation of their tower cranes.
In late 2024, Wolffkran introduced the WOLFF 8038 Clear, a new crane it said was designed to incorporate the performance of a hammerhead with the assembly advantages of a flattop. “We are witnessing a trend toward construction with prefabricated parts and modules,” said Mohamed Abouelezz, head of business development and product management at Wolffkran. “At the same time, customers are increasingly focused on hassle-free assembly.”
Wolffkran also incorporated an optimized jib design in the new WOLFF 8038. In the smart jib, they noted, the top chord can be assembled with a simple plug connection without the need for a hammer, smoothing transitions and facilitating precise load positioning. Revised as well was the design of the lower chord construction, optimizing it with localized reinforcements that save around 10% in material costs and reduce assembly weight by 20%.
Stafford Tower Cranes is rolling out its new STLH253 luffing model. The company’s range of luffing cranes starts with an 8,818-pound and ranges up to a 92,594-pound capacity model. Tip capacities on the product line go from 3,307 to 12,787 pounds and the maximum radius range is from 131.2 feet to 229.7 feet. All models up to 35,274 pounds of maximum capacity have hydraulic dual operation (flat-top and luffing).
Crane technology advancements not only enhance operational efficiency but also significantly reduce the risk of accidents and contribute to a more streamlined construction process.
Kohler, for example, pointed to JASO remote access capabilities that allow technicians to diagnose issues before they begin their travel to the crane.
Scholz noted how advanced control systems enable simple and efficient operation. “This also includes active assistance systems, which automatically prevent a diagonal pull when lifting the load,” he related. “These technologies reduce operating errors and improve safety and efficiency.”
In the next couple of years, we can expect all tower cranes to shift to programmable logic controller (PLC) systems, related Patton. “This transition will enhance control and precision in crane operations, reducing human error and increasing overall safety,” he said. “Anti-collision systems, which prevent cranes from coming into dangerous proximity with other equipment or structures, are also improving safety on jobsites.
“Modern tower cranes are also being equipped with advanced sensors and zoning systems that provide real-time data, ensuring cranes operate within safe limits,” Patton continued. “These systems can monitor weight, load distribution and crane movement to prevent overloading and minimize accidents.”
Using a common crane control system (CCS) across tower crane models means all of their top-slewing tower cranes will have the same controls and operational feel, noted Calaman. “CCS-equipped cranes will also have a similar electrical architecture, making it easier for technicians,” he added, “while telematics provide the ability to troubleshoot a crane from anywhere.”
Market Outlook
With the use of tower cranes increasing in several project-related areas, Scholz related that Liebherr has a positive market outlook. “The tower crane market was at a weaker level in 2024 due to very high material and construction costs, as well as high interest rates,” he said. “For 2025, we see at least a better year due to falling interest rates.”
“The tower crane market this year is showing signs of positive momentum driven by improving economic conditions,” said Patton. “These changes contribute to a more favorable investment climate. Infrastructure projects continue to be a major source of demand for tower cranes along with industrial construction in certain regions. The long-term nature of these projects makes tower cranes a better investment compared to cranes that may be needed for shorter durations.”
Part of what’s driving orders for tower cranes, noted Calaman, has been a shift toward larger machines on jobs with heavier loads that need to be lifted at longer radii. “Another advantage these larger cranes offer is that they can often replace two machines on a jobsite,” he added. “A centrally located large tower crane has the capacity at longer radii to make heavier lifts that traditionally would have required two smaller tower cranes to complete.”
Kohler views 2025 as a transition year. “As interest rates decline, more developers will either re-start or start projects, increasing the need for tower cranes,” he said. “In addition, many companies are now requiring employees to return to work, which should lower office vacancy rates and increase demand for office space.”
Overall, the tower crane market appears to be on the upswing, thanks to a combination of improving economic conditions, technological advancements and increased demand among customers for these machines.
