Green Fleets
powered machines may require auxiliary heaters to warm operators and systems, electric cranes can direct energy to cab heating without the same idling penalties.
5. Infrastructure Constraints— On cold jobsites electric cranes need power to recharge. If grid power is limited, operators may need to rely on diesel generators, which dilutes environmental gains. Cold charging also reduces battery efficiency.
A Link-Belt Cranes 298 HSL, owned and operated by G2 Erectors of Cedar Springs, Michigan, lifts and positions 40,000-pound precast panels while building a production plant to manufacture battery trays for electric vehicles. A total of 158 37-foot-wide panels were used to construct the facility, located on 20 acres in Wyoming, Michigan.
Powertrains in the Cold
Best Practices for Cold Weather Crane Operation
The following practices help maximize crane reliability and safety in winter— whether diesel or electric:
• Pre-warm and circulate. Before doing any lifts, circulate hydraulic fluid, warm engine compartments and ensure fluids are at operating viscosity. Use engine block heaters or hydraulic oil warmers as needed.
• Use the right fluids. Switch to low-temperature-rated hydraulic oils, lubricants and coolants. In diesel models, confirm that DEF systems are winterized( heated, insulated).
• Maintain thermal management systems. Inspect heaters, radiators and thermostats. Confirm that SCR systems for diesel cranes are properly warmed and functioning correctly before starting operations.
• Cold-climate training. Operators should be trained in winter-specific lifting protocols, including slow boom movements, cautious winch operation and constant monitoring for ice accumulation or stiffness in pulleys.
• Battery care( for electric cranes). Keep batteries warm, either with built-in heaters or external warming systems. Charge in a controlled environment where possible and avoid over-discharging in cold weather.
• Scheduled inspections. Increase the frequency of inspections on hydraulic lines, boom pins, sheaves and brakes because cold stresses can exacerbate wear and fatigue.
• Plan for recovery. Even with the best preparation, machinery can fail. Have contingency plans, snow-clearing gear and backup heating, power or auxiliary equipment ready.
Choosing the Right Crane for Winter
For operations in cold climates, the decision to deploy diesel or electric cranes depends on multiple factors. With smart planning and winterization practices, operators can safely navigate the trade-offs between traditional diesel power and emerging electric solutions without compromising lift capacity or uptime.
Comparing Diesel vs. Electric Cranes in Cold Climates
Factor Diesel Cranes Electric Cranes
Cold start reliability
Fluid behavior
Emissions system
A challenge: battery drain, thick oil
Thickened hydraulics, cold oil
SCR systems require warm-up; DEF can freeze
Less of a challenge: no combustion, full torque from rest
Still applies if hydraulics are used; may require low-temp oil
No SCR / DEF; no emissions, ideal for enclosed or sensitive environments
Maintenance Regular cold-weather service needed( heaters, fluids)
Simpler drivetrain, but battery and thermal management require attention
Operator comfort
Jobsite infrastructure
Performance drop
May need to idle or use auxiliary heaters
Self-contained; no grid dependency
Possible due to cold hydraulics, reduced engine efficiency
Electric cabs can efficiently run climate control with minimal waste
Requires reliable power supply or generator; cold charging reduces efficiency
Battery capacity may shrink; energy goes to heating before lifting
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January 2026 • www. cranehotline. com