Product launch update: new tower cranes

Four tower cranes made their North American debut at the ConExpo trade show in March in Las Vegas. D.Ann Shiffler takes a closer look at these new cranes taking sky high lifting to new levels.

Terex/Raimondi CTL 712-45 luffing tower crane

Unique collaboration

Terex Tower Cranes, now part of Raimondi, further strengthened its product portfolio with its new CTL 712-45 luffing jib model. It is designed to enhance performance, control and efficiency on high-rise and large-scale projects.

“Engineered to deliver precise, responsive load handling across the entire operating cycle, the CTL 712-45 integrates advanced control technologies that enhance efficiency while prioritizing safety and operational accuracy,” said Terex Tower Cranes general manager Francesco Aiello. “The model reflects the company’s continued focus on intelligent design and performance-driven innovation.”

Featuring a 70 metre jib and a tip load of 5.8 tonnes, the CTL 712-45 has a 134 kW hoist winch and it can lift at a maximum speed of 226 m/min in single fall. Combining strength, speed and reliability, this high performing model meets the demand of today’s most complex and ambitious construction projects, Aiello said.

The crane can be erected on an HD23 mast, reaching 63.4 metres freestanding tower height in standard configuration and allowing up to a 131.2 metre height under hook at maximum radius.

Fully electric, this model delivers quiet, energy-efficient operation, reduces environmental impact and minimizes urban noise, making it the optimal solution for modern, sustainable construction sites. Terex Raimondi said the crane is designed for full lifecycle efficiency, with optimized control systems and technical advantages; streamlined procedures include standardized pins and bolts, reduced tooling requirements and smart assisted assembly solutions. This standardization allows for quicker assembly and dismantling, reducing valuable onsite time.

Conceptualized and designed with erection crews, technicians and operators in mind, the CTL 712-45 optimizes connector usage, reducing the number of cables and connections to manage and simplifying maintenance activities. In addition, primary assembly is completed at ground level, further boosting safety and ease of installation.

With safe operations a top priority, enhanced enclosures and integrated handrail protection minimize the risk of falling objects and provide a high level of protection for personnel during operation, maintenance and assembly or disassembly phases.

“This latest addition to our portfolio creates significant global opportunities, building on the proven success of the CTL 702-32,” said Lee Maynard, global sales director . “At a recent customer event held at our testing facility, the CTL 712-45 enjoyed exceptional positive feedback, particularly for its streamlined erection process and ease of maintenance. The new S-Pace cabin was also highly praised for its operator-focused design. One customer described the crane as ‘10 to 15 years ahead of its time,’ feedback that strongly validates our engineering direction and commitment to delivering forward-thinking solutions to the market.”

Focus on fast

In today’s construction landscape, speed, precision and adaptability define project success. Liebherr’s KSeries fast erecting cranes embody these demands, delivering a powerful blend of performance and efficiency that transforms jobsite productivity, according to Stefan Brandt, Liebherr USA divisional director of tower cranes.

Liebherr 91 K fast erecting crane

Designed for residential, commercial, and industrial applications, the K Series – featuring the 43 K, 61 K, 91 K, and 125 K models – offers versatility for contractors who refuse to compromise, Liebherr said. At the heart of the K Series is Liebherr’s commitment to rapid deployment.

Each crane is engineered for swift transport, effortless setup and seamless integration into tight or complex sites, the company said.

With compact slewing radii, modular components and intelligent self-ballasting, these cranes minimize downtime and maximize operational readiness. 

“Performance is where the K Series truly shines,” said Brandt. “With radii extending up to 55 metres and hook heights reaching 65.5 metres, the lineup delivers impressive reach and lifting power.

Advanced drive systems ensure smooth, precise movements, while the innovative Speed2Lift technology accelerates hoisting speeds without sacrificing control. For heavier lifts, LoadPlus mode boosts capacity by up to 20 per cent, giving crews the muscle they need when it matters most.”

Liebherr elevates crane operation with intelligent assistance systems to enhance safety and precision, he said. Features such as Sway Control, Vertical Line Finder, and Positioning Pilot reduce operator workload and improve handling accuracy, the company said. These technologies protect personnel and materials and streamlines workflows.

Robust steel structures, corrosion-resistant finishes and low maintenance components help ensure long service life, while digital tools like LiDAT and LiDIAG provide real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and fleet management, Brandt said.

“From small scale builds to demanding multistory projects, the Liebherr K Series delivers the perfect balance of power, intelligence and mobility,” Brandt says. “It’s more than a crane, it’s a productivity engine designed to keep modern construction moving forward.”

Versatile and compact

Comansa’s latest model is the 6LC85 flat top, a versatile and compact model designed for urban and confined workspaces, according to Comansa’s Joseph Patton.

Comansa 6LC85 flat top tower crane

The 6LC85 offers a capacity of 11,020 pounds (10 tonnes) and a reach of 172.2 feet (52 metres). There are multiple versions available: embedded, supported on bases of 12.5 or 14.8 feet (3.8 or 4.5 metres) or on top of travelling bases.

The crane’s standard mast size of 3.9 feet (1.2 metres) allows it to fit in small areas. Its modular jib can be configured from 65.6 to 172.2 feet (20 to 52 metres), with increments every 8.2 feet (2.5 metres), maximising flexibility for various projects.

The crane offers a minimum working radius of 5.8 feet (1.77 metres) and a counter jib radius of 41 feet (12.5 metres), making it ideal for congested jobsites. The 6LC85 has Comansa’s compact head design, which integrates the slewing and hoist mechanisms, electric control panel and safety limiters into a single compact unit. Nearly all connections are pre-assembled, significantly reducing installation time.

Compact components simplify transport and handling, reducing on-site logistical challenges and resource requirements while all components are located close together within the compact head, allowing for quick inspections and easier maintenance access.

The next generation

Zoomlion exhibited the core components of its new R-generation tower crane series, including the CR8-H cab and RB round tenon standard section. Zoomlion said that having a “user-friendly” machine is one of its essential principles in tower crane design.

“Our CR8-H cab shows the nice accessibility of R-generation tower cranes,” the company said. “It offers more inner space and wider single-side vision, more user-friendly linkage console design and A/C and wiper control. More importantly, it is comfortable, safe and aesthetic.”

Zoomlion R Series R370-20RB flat top tower crane

Zoomlion’s R-generation tower crane is also unique for its structural design. The RB round tenon standard section is simple in structure and unified in form, showing better wind resistance than that of the traditional standard section, Zoomlion said.

The low-stress flow design endows the component excellent fatigue resistance, yielding a longer equivalent service life. Moreover, it can be assembled and disassembled easily for transportation in containers, the company said.

Zoomlion’s R-generation tower crane includes improvements in round-tenon tower body, global safety, structural service life and high-speed mechanisms. Aside from that, it also features advanced technologies such as the best narrow boom structure and integrated transportation of slewing body in the industry, facilitating transportation and gaining a great reputation in European and American markets, Zoomlion said.