06-29-2025, 10:17 PM
In the construction machinery industry, manufacturers' advertisements and product brochures are common, but what prospective buyers really want to hear are the opinions of frontline users. Recently, we had the opportunity to interview Mr. Hu, a user of the XCMG QY20B-1 truck crane, in the suburbs of Beijing. Mr. Hu has been operating the crane for nearly four years and shared his experiences and thoughts on this machine.
Purchase Information
Mr. Hu is originally from Dezhou, Shandong. In 2007, his son began working as a crane operator, and by 2009, Mr. Hu decided to enter the crane business. After thorough consideration, he purchased the XCMG QY20B-1 truck crane, a popular model in the market at the time. The purchase price was 580,000 RMB, with a down payment of 200,000 RMB and a three-year financing plan. Monthly payments of over 10,000 RMB were manageable, considering the market conditions at the time.
Business Overview
After acquiring the crane, Mr. Hu left his previous job and moved to Beijing to operate the crane with his son. In the beginning, business was tough, and they had to work in a "trailing work" market where jobs were sporadic. Over time, however, they established relationships with local clients and began getting regular work. Most of their projects now come from returning clients or referrals from friends. Occasionally, they take on projects introduced by intermediaries, although the fees decrease after paying the intermediary, it’s still better than having idle time.
The types of jobs the 20-ton crane takes on are diverse, often involving tasks at construction sites such as lifting bricks, tiles, and steel structures. For a full shift, the crane earns about 1,200 RMB. For smaller tasks like hoisting advertisements or lifting smaller items, they charge around 500–600 RMB. On average, Mr. Hu’s business generates around 200,000 RMB annually, and the crane loan was fully repaid this year, with decent profitability.
Equipment Information
The XCMG QY20B-1 has been in use for nearly four years. Mr. Hu and his son are the primary operators, and they take good care of the machine. So far, there have been no significant issues, and no replacement of hydraulic lines or other major components. Overall, Mr. Hu is satisfied with the machine's reliability.
Compared to other brands, the XCMG QY20B-1 is slightly slower, but it offers excellent stability. Many construction companies recognize the XCMG brand and specifically request it for jobs.
There have been some minor issues with the crane during its operation:
Fuel Consumption
For typical civil engineering projects, excluding relocation costs, the crane’s fuel consumption is about 200 RMB per shift, which Mr. Hu finds to be relatively low.
Maintenance
The XCMG QY20B-1 doesn’t require frequent maintenance since it doesn’t operate long hours like excavators or loaders. The maintenance cycle is longer, with the air filters being replaced every three to four months. After the warranty period, Mr. Hu takes care of maintenance himself, finding the process straightforward and relatively inexpensive. The regular maintenance mainly involves changing the oil and filters, which is far cheaper than the maintenance costs for other types of heavy machinery, such as excavators.
Insurance
Mr. Hu places great importance on insurance. Each year, the crane is insured for over 10,000 RMB, covering compulsory insurance, commercial insurance, and additional coverage. He believes that insurance provides peace of mind, as accidents in such specialized work can be costly.
Crane Operator Certification
In Beijing, all crane operators must obtain a government-recognized crane operator certification. According to Mr. Hu, the cost of obtaining the certification is around 300 RMB, including training and a simple exam. The certification is valid for two years and requires re-examination. Additionally, a B2 driver’s license is necessary to operate cranes in the lifting industry.
Challenges in the Crane Industry
As urbanization continues to accelerate across the country, the crane industry is receiving increasing attention. Mr. Hu’s story offers valuable insights for those considering entering the crane business. His experience with the XCMG QY20B-1 showcases the importance of choosing the right machine and understanding both the advantages and challenges of this line of work.
Purchase Information
Mr. Hu is originally from Dezhou, Shandong. In 2007, his son began working as a crane operator, and by 2009, Mr. Hu decided to enter the crane business. After thorough consideration, he purchased the XCMG QY20B-1 truck crane, a popular model in the market at the time. The purchase price was 580,000 RMB, with a down payment of 200,000 RMB and a three-year financing plan. Monthly payments of over 10,000 RMB were manageable, considering the market conditions at the time.
Business Overview
After acquiring the crane, Mr. Hu left his previous job and moved to Beijing to operate the crane with his son. In the beginning, business was tough, and they had to work in a "trailing work" market where jobs were sporadic. Over time, however, they established relationships with local clients and began getting regular work. Most of their projects now come from returning clients or referrals from friends. Occasionally, they take on projects introduced by intermediaries, although the fees decrease after paying the intermediary, it’s still better than having idle time.
The types of jobs the 20-ton crane takes on are diverse, often involving tasks at construction sites such as lifting bricks, tiles, and steel structures. For a full shift, the crane earns about 1,200 RMB. For smaller tasks like hoisting advertisements or lifting smaller items, they charge around 500–600 RMB. On average, Mr. Hu’s business generates around 200,000 RMB annually, and the crane loan was fully repaid this year, with decent profitability.
Equipment Information
The XCMG QY20B-1 has been in use for nearly four years. Mr. Hu and his son are the primary operators, and they take good care of the machine. So far, there have been no significant issues, and no replacement of hydraulic lines or other major components. Overall, Mr. Hu is satisfied with the machine's reliability.
Compared to other brands, the XCMG QY20B-1 is slightly slower, but it offers excellent stability. Many construction companies recognize the XCMG brand and specifically request it for jobs.
There have been some minor issues with the crane during its operation:
- The engine water pump experienced leakage at one point.
- The four-way valve experienced frequent sealing issues, leading to oil leakage. Mr. Hu suspects that the seals may have aged. However, the issue was not severe, and wrapping the seals with a layer of sealing film temporarily fixed the problem.
Fuel Consumption
For typical civil engineering projects, excluding relocation costs, the crane’s fuel consumption is about 200 RMB per shift, which Mr. Hu finds to be relatively low.
Maintenance
The XCMG QY20B-1 doesn’t require frequent maintenance since it doesn’t operate long hours like excavators or loaders. The maintenance cycle is longer, with the air filters being replaced every three to four months. After the warranty period, Mr. Hu takes care of maintenance himself, finding the process straightforward and relatively inexpensive. The regular maintenance mainly involves changing the oil and filters, which is far cheaper than the maintenance costs for other types of heavy machinery, such as excavators.
Insurance
Mr. Hu places great importance on insurance. Each year, the crane is insured for over 10,000 RMB, covering compulsory insurance, commercial insurance, and additional coverage. He believes that insurance provides peace of mind, as accidents in such specialized work can be costly.
Crane Operator Certification
In Beijing, all crane operators must obtain a government-recognized crane operator certification. According to Mr. Hu, the cost of obtaining the certification is around 300 RMB, including training and a simple exam. The certification is valid for two years and requires re-examination. Additionally, a B2 driver’s license is necessary to operate cranes in the lifting industry.
Challenges in the Crane Industry
- Delayed Payments
One of the significant challenges Mr. Hu faces is delayed payments. Many of the crane’s tasks are one-off jobs, such as hoisting a sign, and payment often comes after the work is completed. Sometimes clients cannot be reached after the job is done, and phone calls go unanswered. This has led to several outstanding payments, and Mr. Hu is now spending much of his time chasing payments, especially during the off-peak season.
- Traffic Control Regulations
A recent regulation by Beijing’s traffic management authorities prohibits trucks, construction vehicles, and other heavy-duty vehicles from entering the 6th ring road without a permit starting December 21. This has created significant difficulties for Mr. Hu, as most of his work is within the city. With this new rule, he will now have to focus on more scattered jobs in the suburbs, and much of his time will be spent with the crane idle.
As urbanization continues to accelerate across the country, the crane industry is receiving increasing attention. Mr. Hu’s story offers valuable insights for those considering entering the crane business. His experience with the XCMG QY20B-1 showcases the importance of choosing the right machine and understanding both the advantages and challenges of this line of work.
