How to choose a spider crane: a 5-step checklist
Updated 2026-11-06 · BAJUN Machinery
Start from the heaviest load and the distance it must travel from the crane, then check the access route, the power on site, the ground and the control you need. The capacity class alone does not tell you whether a crane can do the job; the load chart at your working radius does.
Step 1: Heaviest load and working radius
The capacity class is the maximum load close to the machine. Capacity drops as the boom extends, so measure how far from the crane the load must be placed and check it against the load chart.
Step 2: Access route and floor
Measure the narrowest door, corridor or lift on the way in, and get the floor rating. Compare transport dimensions and floor loads for every model. The class designation alone does not establish whether a machine will fit indoors.
Step 3: Power on site
Indoors, use the electric motor to avoid exhaust. Outdoors or without mains power, run the diesel engine. Most of our models carry both.
Step 4: Tracks
Rubber tracks protect finished floors and pavements. Steel tracks last longer on rubble and gravel.
Step 5: Control
Remote plus manual control lets the operator stand where they can see the load, which matters for glass and blind lifts.
Capacity classes at a glance
| Capacity class | Models | Boom range | Typical jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 t (2,646 lb) | WT1.2 | 5.2 m (17.1 ft) | Confined-site lifting, Indoor installation |
| 2 t (4,409 lb) | WT2.0 | 5.6 m (18.4 ft) | Confined-site lifting, Indoor installation |
| 3 t (6,614 lb) | WT3.0 | 8.3 m (27.2 ft) | Confined-site lifting, Indoor installation |
| 4 t (8,818 lb) | WT4.0 | 11.6 m (38.1 ft) | Confined-site lifting, Indoor installation |
| 5 t (11,023 lb) | WT5.0 | 16.5 m (54.1 ft) | Steel structure, Equipment installation |
| 8 t (17,637 lb) | WT8.0 | 17 m (55.8 ft) | Steel structure, Equipment installation |
| 10 t (22,046 lb) | WT10.0 | 19 m (62.3 ft) | Steel structure, Equipment installation |
| 12 t (26,455 lb) | WT12.0 | 25 m (82 ft) | Steel structure, Equipment installation |
| 16 t (35,274 lb) | WT16.0 | 25 m (82 ft) | Steel structure, Equipment installation |
More guides
Ready to compare models? See all spider cranes or ask for a recommendation.