What to Watch for When Buying a Used Tower Crane?
Mast-jib sections, rope-hook, electrics-brakes and assembly: safety and documentation in a tower crane.
Short answer: On a tower crane, safety comes before everything: cracks/welds/corrosion on the mast and jib sections, the condition of bolts/connection elements, rope-hook wear and the functioning of brake-limit systems. Is the full section set (mast pieces, connection elements, counterweights) complete? Periodic inspection and assembly/disassembly service are part of the purchase cost.
This guide answers: How many meters/tons of tower crane are needed? · How is section safety assessed? · How is set completeness checked? · What is the assembly cost?
- Section cracking/corrosion and bolt condition are the most serious safety item
- Set completeness (section + connection + counterweight) is verified before purchase
- A crane is not bought without a working load/moment limiter and brakes
- Assembly/disassembly cost is included in the purchase budget
Mast and jib structure
Cracks, corrosion and deformed bolt holes in the sections are a critical safety risk. Have under the paint and the weld seams inspected.
Rope, hook and brakes
Broken wires and crushing on the hoist/trolley rope; throat opening on the hook; the hoist and slewing brakes plus the load/moment limiter must work.
Set completeness and documentation
Are the mast sections, connection pins/bolts and counterweights complete? Are there a periodic inspection report and an assembly manual? Sourcing missing parts is expensive and time-consuming.
Frequently asked questions
How many meters/tons of tower crane are needed? Site height, reach radius and tip load are chosen together; the load chart is the basis.
Is assembly included? Tower crane assembly/disassembly needs expertise and crane support; add this cost to the price.
For the current price range: valuation tool · listings for sale · cost calculators
Last updated: 07.07.2026 · Based on field practice and platform data; it does not replace a technical inspection.
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