Crane Spotlight
All-Terrain Cranes
One of Link-Belt’ s newest AT offerings is the 225-ton 225 | AT, a five-axle model with a 46 – 202-foot six-section latching boom and 118,000 pounds of maximum counterweight.
EPA-compliant and HVO ready Cummins X-15 engine coupled with a ZF TraXon automated transmission.
Offering a glimpse into its next generation of Grove all-terrain cranes is the prototype GMK5250L-2. Expected to be available for delivery in 2027, the five-axle model with a 250-ton capacity features new cabs on the superstructure and the carrier, the latest Manitowoc Crane Control System, CCS 2.0, and MAXbase 2.0, an improved version of the company’ s variable outrigger positioning system.
Manitowoc has also launched its first plug-in hybrid AT cranes. The Grove GMK5150L-1e and GMK5150XLe feature 150 tons of capacity on a new, fully electrified superstructure powered by a battery pack with around 180 kWh of energy and with the ability to charge the battery from the grid. A 170-kW generator integrated into the carrier also allows charging while driving.
The battery pack on the Grove plug-in hybrids enables approximately five hours of lifting and when connected to the grid, crane operation can be extended to approximately 20 hours. Structurally, the main booms on the electric cranes are identical to the same diesel models, as are the load charts.
Tadano’ s newest AT cranes, the AC
“ With the proliferation of data centers and the ever-increasing scope of general construction projects, AT cranes are used in a wider array of jobs than ever before.”
5.250-2 and the AC 5.250L-2, offer up to 30 % higher lifting capacities than previous models. Other developments for the manufacturer’ s AT product line include a new, bi-fold jib option for the AC 5.250 and the AC 5.250L-2 cranes. Also coming from the company is an AC 6.300-1 AT with a new rear Removable Outrigger Box to provide more transport flexibility and help with axle load requirements.
Cautious Optimism
Looking ahead, Tadano is cautiously optimistic that the AT market will expand.“ Increased construction projects in North America, including chip plants, data centers, wind maintenance, bridges and the energy sector are driving demand,” said Melnyk.“ At the same time, tariffs continue to push AT prices higher, however with the lack of supply of late model used cranes, new fleet expansion is necessary.”
Boyer at Manitowoc also sees environmental regulations as a major factor shaping AT orders. In particular, as cities and industrial sites place increasingly strict requirements on machinery, there will be a growing need to provide options to help achieve both commercial and environmental goals.
Link-Belt expects the North American AT market to“ remain steady and strong in 2026,” said Soper.“ Driven by largescale construction and fleet replacement, AT cranes will thrive because their versatility, reliability and ease of transport all work in concert to drive continued growth.”
Across manufacturers and end users, the message is consistent: the all-terrain crane market is growing because these machines are the most flexible lifting tools available for modern construction projects.
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March 2026 • www. cranehotline. com