Mobile Crane Market Size, Share, Industry, Forecast and outlook (2024-2031)

Global Mobile Crane Market is segmented By Product (Truck-Mounted Cranes, Trailer-Mounted Cranes, Crawler Cranes, Others), By Capacity (Up to 10 Tons, 10-50 Tons, 50-100 Tons, More than 100 Tons), By Propulsion (Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Cranes, Electric), By End-User (Construction, Mining and Excavation, Marine and Offshore, Industrial Applications, Others) and By Region (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa) – Share, Size, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2024-2031

Report Overview

Global Mobile Cranes Market reached US$ 17.73 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 29.51 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Mobile cranes are designed for ease of transportation, are crucial for tasks requiring flexibility and mobility. The global mobile crane market is driven by the growing demand for construction activities, including commercial, residential and infrastructure projects. According to Global Construction Perspectives and Oxford Economics, the volume of construction output will grow by 85% to US$ 15.5 trillion worldwide by 2030.

The rising demand for efficient construction machinery, technological advancements in crane operations and increased focus on infrastructure development, particularly in emerging economies. Additionally, industries like energy and utilities also rely on mobile cranes for maintenance and installation purposes, further boosting demand. As stated by the International Energy Association (IEA), the global power sector investment accounted for US$ 978 billion in 2022.

Asia-Pacific is positioned for significant growth due to large-scale infrastructure investments in major countries such as China, India and Australia. According to the Australia Trade & Investment Commission, in 2023, there was approximately AUD 17.6 billion in foreign direct investment stock into the construction sector in Australia.

Market Scope

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Market Dynamics

Increasing Urbanization & Infrastructural Activities

The market for mobile crane is expected to increase due to the growing construction across the world. The rapid urbanization is driving the construction of residential and commercial buildings, particularly high-rise structures, which require mobile cranes for tasks such as lifting heavy building materials and assembling large components. 

According to World Health Organization (WHO), Over 55% of the world's population live in urban areas – a proportion that is expected to increase to 68% by 2050. Furthermore, the construction activities boom in cities is also fueling the demand for tower cranes, a specific type of mobile crane that is essential for vertical construction.

Growth in the Equipment Rental Market for Used Cranes

As construction companies look to reduce capital expenditure, they are increasingly opting for crane rentals instead of purchasing them outright. This shift towards rentals is also fostering the development of a strong secondary market for used cranes, creating opportunities for refurbishment and resale businesses.

European Rental Association (ERA) reported that the European equipment rental market experienced growth of 7.5% in 2022, with a total rental turnover of US$ 31.98 bn in 16 countries, with mobile cranes being a key segment of this growth.

High Initial Cost with Strict Government Regulation

The high initial cost associated with mobile cranes is a significant barrier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The costs include not only the purchase price but also the expenses related to maintenance, insurance and operator training. The average price for a 1200-ton mobile crane exceeds US$ 50 million.

Furthermore, governments worldwide are imposing stricter emission standards on heavy equipment, including mobile cranes, which increases compliance costs for manufacturers. The transition to electric or hybrid models is still in its early stages and the higher upfront cost of these eco-friendly alternatives, coupled with limited infrastructure for charging and maintenance, poses a challenge.

Market Segment Analysis

The global mobile crane market is segmented based on product, capacity, propulsion, end-user and region.

Growing Demand for Mobile Cranes from the Marine & Offshore Sector

The marine and offshore is the fastest-growing segment in the global mobile crane market, driven by the expansion of the shipping industry, offshore wind energy projects and oil & gas exploration activities. In the offshore wind energy sector, the need for mobile cranes is particularly strong, as these cranes are essential for transporting and installing wind turbine components. The Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) predicts that over the next decade, more than 380 GW of offshore wind capacity will be added across 32 markets. 

The growth is fueling the demand for mobile cranes, especially in Europe and Asia-Pacific, where offshore wind farms are rapidly expanding. Similarly, the marine sector has become a significant driver of demand for mobile cranes, primarily due to the increasing need for efficient loading, unloading and maintenance of ships and shipbuilding equipment. 

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) highlights that over 80% of the volume of international trade in goods is carried by sea and the percentage is even higher for most developing countries. As ports aim to increase their capacity, mobile cranes are in high demand for their versatility and ability to handle a variety of cargo, from containers to bulk materials.

Market Geographical Share

Asia-Pacific Dominance Driven by Urbanization and Infrastructure Investments

Asia-Pacific dominates the global mobile crane market with the biggest market share, driven by rapid urbanization, large-scale infrastructure projects and the expansion of the construction industry. China, as the region's largest construction market, significantly influences the demand for mobile cranes. In recent years, the country has continued to invest in its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which involves large infrastructure projects both domestically and across other participating nations. 

According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, in 2023, the value added of construction enterprises in China was approximately US$ 1,198.7 billion, reflecting a growth of 7.1% from the previous year. Profits from construction enterprises qualified for general and specialized contracts reached about US$ 116.6 billion, a slight increase of 0.2%. Among these, state-holding enterprises generated profits of approximately US$ 56.3 billion, marking a 4.3% rise.

Similarly, India is also a critical market for mobile cranes, driven by the government's focus on developing infrastructure through initiatives like "Make in India" and the Smart Cities Mission. According to a report by Invest India, the construction industry in India is expected to reach US$ 1.4 trillion by 2025. Furthermore, Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asian countries are also contributing to the region's demand for mobile cranes.

Market Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include Action Construction Equipment Ltd., Bauer Group, Caterpillar, Hitachi Sumitomo Heavy Industries Construction Crane Co., Ltd., Konecranes, Liebherr-International AG, Sany Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., Terex Corporation, XCMG Construction Machinery Co., Ltd. and Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science and Technology Co., Ltd.

Sustainability Analysis

The sustainability landscape in the global mobile crane market is evolving rapidly, driven by increasing environmental regulations, corporate sustainability goals and the push for greener construction practices. The major trend in the development and adoption of electric and hybrid mobile cranes. For example, Liebherr has introduced MK mobile construction cranes that operate silently with zero emissions on site and the whole system is economical and sustainable using a site power supply.

According to the European Rental Association, in 2022 In Europe, the construction industry is responsible for approximately 13% of the carbon emissions. This has led to increasing pressure from governments and regulatory bodies to comply with stringent emissions standards, such as the European Union’s Stage V regulations, which aim to reduce harmful pollutants. Similarly, the European Union has set a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, which is encouraging construction companies to adopt greener technologies, including mobile cranes powered by alternative energy sources.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact

The Russia-Ukraine war has had a considerable impact on the global mobile cranes market, creating ripple effects across various sectors. The conflict disrupted the global supply chain, particularly in industries like construction, energy and manufacturing, which are heavy users of mobile cranes. One major consequence of the war has been the rise in material costs. For example, global steel prices rose to $500 per ton in Europe and US. This increase directly impacted the manufacturing cost of mobile cranes, driving up prices and putting pressure on manufacturers.

In contrast, some regions have seen growth opportunities. For instance, Middle Eastern nations have raised their investments in infrastructure, partially due to increased income from higher oil and gas prices. This increase in demand for mobile cranes in the area has helped counteract some of the worldwide decreases. Furthermore, the conflict has spurred countries to hasten their renewable energy initiatives, increasing the need for mobile cranes in the wind energy industry, where cranes are crucial for installing wind turbines.

By Product

• Truck-Mounted Cranes
• Trailer-Mounted Cranes
• Crawler Cranes
• Others

By Capacity

• Up to 10 Tons
• 10-50 Tons
• 50-100 Tons
• More than 100 Tons

By Propulsion

• Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Cranes
• Electric Cranes

By End-User

• Construction
• Mining and Excavation
• Marine and Offshore
• Industrial Applications
• Others

Region

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In June 2024, Germany-based Liebherr introduced the LTM 1400-6.1, a six-axle mobile crane, during its Customer Days event in Berg-Ehingen, Germany. This latest model comes with a 400-ton lifting capacity and includes a 70-meter boom, as well as a Y-guy system for easier setup. The LTM 1400-6.1, an upgrade from the LTM 1350-6.1, demonstrates Liebherr's dedication to improving performance and efficiency in mobile crane technology by providing increased lifting capacities.
• In December 2023, Liebherr also expanded its mobile crane portfolio with the launch of the LG 1800-1.0. This new crane combines the portability of a mobile crane with the heavy lifting capability of a crawler crane, able to hoist weights of up to 800 tons. The LG 1800-1.0 has a low axle load of only 10 tons, which allows it to be used on public roads worldwide and increases its potential in different global markets.
• Tadano Ltd. has strengthened its presence in the Indian market through strategic acquisitions. On September 15, 2022, Tadano purchased a 49% share in Tadano Escorts India Private Limited from Escorts Kubota Limited. This was then proceeded by a deal on November 4, 2022, to buy the remaining 49% share for a token sum of INR 0.1 million (USD 1,202.91).

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global mobile crane market segmentation based on product, capacity, propulsion, end-user and region.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development. 
• Excel spreadsheet containing a comprehensive dataset of the mobile crane market, covering all levels of segmentation.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global mobile crane market report would provide approximately 70 tables, 68 figures and 208 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies