We have received too many inquiries like this: “My job is in a narrow alley, and a regular crane can‘t get in. What do I do?” Or “I need to replace an air conditioning unit on a rooftop, but a crane can’t reach that high.”
Later, we developed this 8 ton spider crane specifically for those situations. Today, from the manufacturer‘s perspective, let us explain what this machine can do for you.
Why We Made It So Compact?
Because we have seen too many customers lose bids simply because their equipment couldn‘t fit the job site.
The 8 ton spider crane measures only 5m in length, 1.6m in width, and 2.18m in height. It is narrower than a standard double bed. It can pass through factory doors, fire exits, and even residential hallways. We made the rubber tracks 400mm wide with a ground contact length of 2600mm — they won’t damage tiles or asphalt.
The machine weighs 7200kg. That sounds heavy, but the tracks distribute the weight so well that ground pressure is lower than that of a woman wearing high heels. You can safely use it indoors on tiled floors without leaving marks.
Outrigger Design Takes The Worst Ground Conditions Into Account
Many customers worry: “My site is uneven, sloped, and full of manhole covers.”
Our 8t crawler crane uses a two‑stage outrigger system: manually swing out first, then hydraulic extension. Maximum spread is 7800mm left‑right and 3600mm front‑rear. Each leg can be adjusted independently, so even with a 5‑degree slope, you can level the machine.
More importantly, the outriggers have automatic self‑leveling. You just lower the legs to the ground, press a button, and the machine levels itself. No need for timber pads or repeated measurements. We have seen customers use it on gravel, grass, and even sloping ground without trouble.
The outrigger pads are large enough not to sink into soft soil. If you work on particularly soft ground, we can supply larger pads as an option.
Boom Length And Speed Are Carefully Calculated
The 8 ton spider crane has a 5‑section U‑type boom. Retracted length is 4.7m; fully extended it reaches 16.5m. Maximum lifting height above ground is 18m. We chose these numbers because most confined‑space lifting jobs require a working height of 10‑15m.
Boom extension time: from 4.7m to 16.5m in 54 seconds. Boom angle from 0° to 78° in 13 seconds. Continuous rotation 360° in 38 seconds. These speeds are not the fastest available, but they are stable. We deliberately avoided higher speeds because, in high‑altitude work, smoothness matters more than speed.
Maximum lifting capacity is 8 tons, but remember that applies only at shorter radii. When the boom is fully extended to 16.5m, the rated capacity is 0.5 tons.
Two Control Options For You
We offer two control methods:
- Manual levers + onboard switches — standard, reliable, suitable for most conditions.
- Wireless remote control — optional. It allows you to stand next to the load, see clearly, and reduce communication errors.
Many customers choose the remote, especially for high‑altitude or obstructed‑view jobs. For example, when installing glass on a rooftop edge, the operator stands in a safe area and remotely controls the machine, without leaning over to reach the levers.
Steel rope: Φ11mm, 80m long, with 4‑line reeving. Hoisting speed: 12 m/min. This speed is moderate, but given safety requirements, we think it is appropriate. If you need faster hoisting, we can customize.
Self‑Propelled — Saves You The Trouble Of Moving It
The 8 ton spider crane is driven by a hydraulic motor on rubber tracks. Travel speed: 0‑2.5 km/h. Slower than walking speed, but sufficient for short moves around the job site. Climbing ability: 25° (36% grade).
We have seen customers do this: drive the machine off the trailer, through a narrow alley, into a backyard, and start lifting — all without a forklift or auxiliary crane. It gets itself into position.
If you need to move between floors, you can use a freight elevator. With an overall width of only 1.6m, most freight elevators can accommodate it.
Engine And Starting Details
Engine: Yunnan 490 diesel, China II emission standard (for export to less strict regions, we can adjust). Electric start. Operating temperature range: -5°C to 40°C. Battery: 24V 45AH.
If you work in colder regions (below 5°C), we can add a pre‑heater as an option. If you need long‑term indoor use with low emissions, an electric version is available upon request (contact us for customization).
Which Customers Buy This Most Often?
Based on our sales records, the 8t crawler crane is most frequently purchased by:
- Glass curtain wall installers (working on rooftops or balconies)
- Factory maintenance teams (replacing motors, machine tools)
- Bridge and tunnel maintenance crews (narrow access)
- Old neighborhood renovation contractors (small alleys)
- Electrical power companies (changing transformers inside substations)
- Indoor maintenance at malls, airports, and railway stations (indoor lifting without damaging floors)
They all share one common trait: limited working space, but moderate lifting requirements (mainly 3‑6 tons). Our 8 ton spider crane fits exactly that gap in the market.
Safety Features And Options
A moment controller (torque limiter) is not standard, but we strongly recommend you order it. It automatically stops movement if the load exceeds the crane‘s rated capacity at that radius, preventing tip‑over. This is especially valuable for new operators.
Other options include: hydraulic oil pre‑heater, cold‑start kit, electric drive version, etc. Please contact us for details.
Shipping And Delivery
Each 8 ton spider crane is packed in a standard export wooden crate. The machine is fully assembled and tested. You only need to add fuel, connect the battery, and check the track tension before use. We provide instruction manuals (Chinese/English) and operation videos.
Lead time is usually 2‑4 weeks, depending on the order.
We Are Not Just Selling A Crane. We Are Selling The Ability To Get Into Tight Spaces.
Where a regular crane cannot go, the 8 ton spider crane can. That is our value.
If you often face lifting jobs in confined spaces, or if you need equipment that can work indoors, on rooftops, or in narrow alleys, consider our 8t crawler crane.
We offer a one‑year warranty and lifetime technical support. Contact us anytime.
Appendix – Key Specifications (for reference)
| Category | Item | Specification |
| Basic Parameters | Rated Capacity | 8 t |
| Maximum Working Radius | 16.5 m (66 × 0.5 t) | |
| Maximum Lifting Height (Ground Level) | 18 m | |
| Winch System | Hook Lifting Speed | 12 m/min (4 falls) |
| Steel Wire Rope Specification | Φ11mm × 80m | |
| Telescopic Boom System | Boom Type | 5-section U-shaped telescopic boom |
| Boom Length Range | 4.7 m – 16.5 m | |
| Boom Extension (Length/Time) | 12.3 m / 54 sec | |
| Luffing System | Boom Luffing Angle / Time | 0°-78° / 13 sec |
| Slewing System | Slewing Angle / Speed | 0°-360° (Continuous) / 38 sec |
| Outriggers | Operation Mode | Manual swing-out + Hydraulic extension + Auto support (2-stage outriggers) |
| Max Outrigger Span (mm) | Left/Right: 7800; Front/Rear: 3600 | |
| Travel System | Travel Mode | Hydraulic motor driven |
| Travel Speed | 0-2.5 km/h | |
| Gradeability | 25° (36%) | |
| Engine | Manufacturer | Yunnei (China Stage II Emission Standard) |
| Model / Displacement | 490 | |
| Starting Method | Electric start | |
| Operating Temperature Range | -5°C ~ 40°C | |
| Fuel / Tank Capacity | Diesel / (Capacity not specified) | |
| Battery Capacity | 24V 45AH | |
| Displacement | Not specified | |
| Control System | Operation Mode (Boom/Outrigger/Travel) | Manual operation & manual travel (Remote control optional) |
| Operation Feature | Manual control (Remote control optional) | |
| Overall Dimensions | Length × Width × Height | 5 m × 1.6 m × 2.18 m |
| Weight | Overall Weight | 7200 kg |
| Track System | Track Size (Length × Width) | 2600 mm × 400 mm |
| Optional Accessories | Available Add-ons | Load Moment Indicator (LMI) |