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World’s Top 10 Tallest Land-Based Cranes (2026 Update)
By Patrik Eder · Updated: May 21, 2026 · Published: June 3, 2020
Constructing large-scale energy infrastructure or handling massive industrial modules requires cranes capable of extreme lifts at significant heights. Land-based cranes are among the largest machines ever built, combining high lifting capacity, advanced structural engineering, and precise hoisting systems to move materials weighing thousands of tonnes.
By 2026, the definition of “large” for cranes has evolved. While lifting capacity remains important, maximum overall height has become the primary metric of operational relevance. This change is driven by the rising hub heights of offshore wind turbines—which now often exceed 160 m, requiring hook heights above 200 m for nacelle installation—and the modularization of nuclear facilities, where SMRs and large containment domes demand lifting radii and clearances that push conventional crane geometry to its limits.
The following Top 10 ranking presents the tallest land-based cranes in the world for 2026, evaluated primarily on maximum overall height. All specifications reflect the cranes’ maximum numeric values under optimal configuration.
1. Mammoet SK6000 – 274 m (899 ft)
2. XCMG XGC88000 – 260 m (853 ft)
3. Sarens SGC 250 – 250 m (820 ft)
4. Liebherr LR 13000 – 248 m (813 ft)
5. Mammoet PTC 210 DS – 246 m (807 ft)
6. Tadano CC 88.1600‑1 (Boom Booster) – 240 m (787 ft)
7. Tadano CC 88.3200‑1 TWIN – 234 m (768 ft)
8. Liebherr LR 11000 – 222 m (728 ft)
9. Mammoet AL.SK350 – 220 m (722 ft)
10. Sany SCC9800TM – 216.5 m (710 ft)
10. Sany SCC9800TM
Image source: Sany
The Sany SCC9800TM (marketed internationally as the SCC45000A) holds the 10th spot in the 2026 ranking of the world’s tallest land-based cranes. This twin-boom lattice crawler crane reaches a maximum height of 216.5 m with a 126.5 m main boom and optional jib extensions. It has a lifting capacity of 4,500 t and a maximum load moment of 98,000 tm, supported by a superlift counterweight system with an adjustable radius of 28–37 m.
Following a modular “transformer” design, the SCC9800TM can be disassembled into functional units using interchangeable parts from Sany’s 2,000-tonne cranes, providing flexibility for large lifts. Its twin-boom configuration ensures stability at extreme heights. The crane has been employed in China’s nuclear projects, including the installation of containment domes for Hualong One reactors.
| Specification | Details |
| Manufacturer | Sany |
| Model / Status | SCC9800TM / Production |
| Maximum Overall Height | 216.5 m (710 ft) |
| Main Boom | 126.5 m + optional jibs |
| Max Lifting Capacity | 4,500 t |
| Max Load Moment | 98,000 tm |
| Counterweight | Superlift system, 28–37 m radius |
9. Mammoet SK350
Image source: Mammoet
The Mammoet AL.SK350, originally ALE’s AL.SK350 and now part of the Mammoet fleet, holds the 9th spot in the 2026 ranking of the world’s tallest land-based cranes. This ring crane reaches a maximum height of 220 m and uses a strand jack lifting system, with a maximum lifting capacity of 5,000 t and a maximum load moment of 354,000 tm, supported by a 4,000 t ballast ring.
The SK350 can operate without a full track for all lifts, allowing use in confined industrial sites. It is suitable for handling large modules such as FPSO topsides and has been used on projects like Brazil’s P-74 FPSO, performing lifts of modules up to 3,000 t.
| Specification | Details |
| Manufacturer | Mammoet (formerly ALE) |
| Model / Status | SK350 / Production |
| Maximum Overall Height | 220 m (722 ft) |
| Main Boom | Not explicitly stated |
| Max Lifting Capacity | 5,000 t |
| Max Load Moment | 354,000 tm |
| Counterweight | 4,000 t ballast ring |
8. Liebherr LR 11000
Image source: Liebherr
The Liebherr LR 11000 holds the 8th spot in the 2026 ranking of the world’s tallest land-based cranes. This lattice boom crawler crane reaches a maximum height of 222 m with a 168 m main boom. It has a lifting capacity of 1,000 t, a maximum load moment of 15,171 tm, and carries up to 790 t of counterweight (central, slewing, and derrick).
The crane features a hydraulically adjustable V-Frame ballast system, allowing the ballast radius to be varied between 13 and 30 m. This enables operation in confined spaces and construction sites with limited room. The LR 11000 is commonly used for onshore wind turbine erection in the 4–6 MW class.
| Specification | Details |
| Manufacturer | Liebherr |
| Model / Status | LR 11000 / Production |
| Maximum Overall Height | 222 m (728 ft) |
| Main Boom | 168 m |
| Max Lifting Capacity | 1,000 t |
| Max Load Moment | 15,171 tm |
| Counterweight | 790 t (central + slewing + derrick) |
7. Tadano CC 88.3200-1 TWIN
Image source: Tadano
The Tadano CC 88.3200‑1 TWIN holds the 7th spot in the 2026 ranking of the world’s tallest land-based cranes. This twin-boom lattice crawler crane reaches a maximum height of 234 m with a 156 m main boom. It has a lifting capacity of 3,200 t and a maximum load moment of 43,900 tm, supported by a modular counterweight system.
The TWIN configuration combines two CC 88.1600‑1 cranes into a single unit for heavy lifts, while allowing each crane to operate independently for standard tasks. Components can be disassembled to a maximum width of 3.5 m for road transport, facilitating logistics and site deployment.
| Specification | Details |
| Manufacturer | Tadano (Terex Demag / now Tadano) |
| Model / Status | CC 8800‑1 TWIN / Production |
| Maximum Overall Height | 234 m (768 ft) |
| Main Boom | 156 m |
| Max Lifting Capacity | 3,200 t |
| Max Load Moment | 43,900 tm |
| Counterweight | Modular counterweight carrier system |
6. Tadano CC 88.1600-1 (Boom Booster)
Image source: Tadano
The Tadano CC 88.1600‑1 (formerly Demag CC 8800‑1) holds the 6th spot in the 2026 ranking of the world’s tallest land-based cranes. This lattice boom crawler crane reaches a maximum height of 240 m with a main boom spanning 54–156 m. It has a lifting capacity of 1,600 t and a maximum load moment of 27,240 tm, supported by a standard modular ballast system.
The Boom Booster kit increases boom stiffness and enhances lifting capacity in long-reach configurations. The crane is used for erecting tall wind turbines, providing vertical reach while maintaining mobility on narrow access roads.
| Specification | Details |
| Manufacturer | Tadano (Terex Demag / now Tadano) |
| Model / Status | CC 88.1600‑1 / Production |
| Maximum Overall Height | 240 m (787 ft) - max tip height |
| Main Boom | 54 m – 156 m |
| Max Lifting Capacity | 1,600 t |
| Max Load Moment | 27,240 tm |
| Counterweight | Standard modular ballast (configuration dependent) |
5. Mammoet PTC 200 DS
Image source: Mammoet
The Mammoet PTC 210 DS holds the 5th spot in the 2026 ranking of the world’s tallest land-based cranes. This ring crane reaches a maximum height of 246 m and has a lifting capacity of 3,200 t with a maximum load moment of 210,000 tm, supported by a double-stacked containerized ballast system.
An upgraded version of the PTC 200 DS, the PTC 210 DS has a reinforced main boom and increased ballast, allowing operation within confined industrial sites. Its 360-degree continuous slew enables placement of loads without track reconfiguration. The crane is designed for repeated heavy lifts in refineries and energy projects and can operate in conditions ranging from -40°C to +55°C and high wind environments.
| Specification | Details |
| Manufacturer | Mammoet |
| Model / Status | PTC 210 DS / Production |
| Maximum Overall Height | 246 m (807 ft) |
| Main Boom | Not explicitly stated |
| Max Lifting Capacity | 3,200 t |
| Max Load Moment | 210,000 tm |
| Counterweight | Double-stacked containerized ballast |
4. Liebherr LR 13000
Image source: Liebherr
The Liebherr LR 13000 holds the 4th spot in the 2026 ranking of the world’s tallest land-based cranes. This conventional lattice boom crawler crane reaches a maximum height of 248 m, with a 120 m main boom and 126 m luffing jib. It has a lifting capacity of 3,000 t and a maximum load moment of 65,000 tm, supported by 750 t turntable, 150 t central, and 1,500 t derrick ballast.
The LR 13000 features a PowerBoom system for enhanced torsional stiffness and a slewing ring with turntable ballast that allows operation without derrick ballast for lighter lifts. Components are designed to fit standard shipping containers for transport. The crane is used in wind farms, power plants, refineries, and harbor construction across Europe, Mexico, and Asia.
| Specification | Details |
| Manufacturer | Liebherr |
| Model / Status | LR 13000 / Production |
| Maximum Overall Height | 248 m (813 ft) |
| Main Boom | 120 m (main boom) + 126 m (luffing jib) |
| Max Lifting Capacity | 3,000 t |
| Max Load Moment | 65,000 tm |
| Counterweight | 750 t turntable + 150 t central + 1,500 t derrick |
3. Sarens SGC-250 "Big Carl"
Image source: Sarens
The Sarens SGC 250 (“Big Carl”) holds the 3rd spot in the 2026 ranking of the world’s tallest land-based cranes. This double-ring ring crane reaches a maximum height of 250 m and has a lifting capacity of 5,000 t with a maximum load moment of 250,000 tm. Its counterweight system consists of 52 containers of 100 t each, filled locally for transport and assembly efficiency.
The crane operates on a double-ring track system with 96 wheels, enabling 360° slewing and the ability to relocate while fully rigged. This capability was important for its deployment at the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant, allowing it to service multiple reactor units without disassembly. The design balances lifting power with ground pressure management to ensure stable operation.
| Specification | Details |
| Manufacturer | Sarens |
| Model / Status | SGC 250 / Production |
| Maximum Overall Height | 250 m (820 ft) |
| Main Boom | Not explicitly stated |
| Max Lifting Capacity | 5,000 t |
| Max Load Moment | 250,000 tm |
| Counterweight | 52 containers × 100 t each (filled locally) |
2. XCMG XGC88000
Image source: XCMG
The XCMG XGC88000 holds the 2nd spot in the 2026 ranking of the world’s tallest land-based cranes. This twin-boom lattice crawler crane reaches an operational height of 260 m and has a lifting capacity of 4,000 t with a maximum load moment of 88,000 tm. Its parallel twin-boom design provides lateral stability for heavy lifts at extreme heights.
The crane features a modular “transformer” capability, allowing it to be disassembled and reconfigured into two independent 2,000-tonne units. This allows use for both single massive lifts and general heavy lifting across a site. Its crawler tracks enable movement while carrying loads, and it is powered by three 641 kW engines to provide hydraulic redundancy and lifting capacity.
| Specification | Details |
| Manufacturer | XCMG |
| Model / Status | XGC88000 / Production |
| Maximum Overall Height | 260 m (853 ft) |
| Main Boom | 120 m (heavy boom) / 144 m (light boom) |
| Max Lifting Capacity | 3,600 t |
| Max Load Moment | 88,000 tm |
| Counterweight | 1,000 t modular counterweight system |
1. Mammoet SK6000
Image source: Mammoet
The Mammoet SK6000 holds the 1st spot in the 2026 ranking of the world’s tallest land-based cranes. This centralized-ballast ring crane reaches a maximum height of 274 m with a main mast of 171 m, delivering a lifting capacity of 6,000 t and a maximum load moment of 510,000 tm. Its 4,200 t central ballast supports lifting operations while allowing a compact operational footprint.
The crane is fully electric, capable of operating on grid power or battery storage. Its centralized ballast design removes the need for a complete circular track, enabling operation on partial rings and confined sites. Components are designed for containerized transport, allowing global deployment via standard shipping containers.
The SK6000 is used for offshore wind projects, handling suction bucket jackets and monopiles over 3,000 t, and for nuclear modularization, lifting SMR containment rings and pressure vessels in single pieces. Its combination of height, lifting capacity, and modular design defines the current capabilities of ultra-heavy land-based cranes.
| Specification | Details |
| Manufacturer | Mammoet |
| Model / Status | SK6000 / Production |
| Maximum Overall Height | 274 m (899 ft) |
| Main Boom | 171 m |
| Max Lifting Capacity | 6,000 t |
| Max Load Moment | 510,000 tm |
| Counterweight | 4,200 t central ballast |
The 2026 Top 10 tallest land-based crane ranking highlights machines ranging from historically significant models to modern engineering marvels from Mammoet, Liebherr, Sarens, Tadano, XCMG, and Sany. The ranking prioritizes maximum overall height, but lifting capacity, load moment, and counterweight design are also key factors in operational performance and safety. Modern cranes integrate advanced structural engineering, modular designs, and electric or hybrid propulsion systems, reflecting the evolving requirements of offshore wind, nuclear, and industrial projects.
Top 10 Tallest Land-Based Cranes by Maximum Overall Height (2026)
| Rank | Crane Model | Maximum Overall Height |
Main Boom Length | Maximum Lifting Capacity |
Maximum Load Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mammoet SK6000 | 274 m | 171 m | 6,000 t | 510,000 tm |
| 2 | XCMG XGC88000 | 260 m | 126.5 m + optional jibs |
4,000 t | 88,000 tm |
| 3 | Sarens SGC 250 | 250 m | Not explicitly stated | 5,000 t | 250,000 tm |
| 4 | Liebherr LR 13000 | 248 m | 120 m + 126 m luffing jib |
3,000 t | 65,000 tm |
| 5 | Mammoet PTC 210 DS | 246 m | Not explicitly stated | 3,200 t | 210,000 tm |
| 6 | Tadano CC 88.1600‑1 (Boom Booster) | 240 m | 54 m – 156 m | 1,600 t | 27,240 tm |
| 7 | Tadano CC 88.3200‑1 TWIN | 234 m | 156 m | 3,200 t | 43,900 tm |
| 8 | Liebherr LR 11000 | 222 m | 168 m | 1,000 t | 15,171 tm |
| 9 | Mammoet SK350 | 220 m | Not explicitly stated | 5,000 t | 354,000 tm |
| 10 | Sany SCC9800TM | 216.5 m | 126.5 m + optional jibs |
4,500 t | 98,000 tm |
World’s tallest cranes FAQ
How much can the biggest crane lift?
Mammoet is able to lift 6,000 tonnes, which is the equivalent of 60 blue whales.
What is the biggest crane in the world?
With maximum height of 274 metres, Mammoet SK6000 is currently the biggest crane in the world.
What is the tallest crawler crane?
Liebherr LR 13000 is able to achieve a maximum height of 248 metres thus being the tallest crawler crane in the world.
How much can the largest crane built today lift?
Mammoet SK6000 offers a lifting capacity of 6,000 tonnes.
How much does the largest crane cost?
The SK6000 is an in-house built crane by Dutch heavy lifting specialist Mammoet, therefore, its cost is not known. The crane could cost roughly tens of millions euros.
Where is the world largest crane?
Mammoet SK6000, the world’s most powerful land-based crane, is now being assembled at the Westdorpe facility in the Netherlands. The assembly of the SK6000 is scheduled for completion in Q4/2024
What size is the biggest crane?
Mammoet SK6000 can reach 274 metres of height with its longest main boom of 171 metres.
