Buying a Used 100-Ton Lattice Boom Crane: A Practical Guide

[MikePhua]

Purchasing a used 100-ton crawler crane can offer great value—but only if you know what to look for. This guide provides clarity on choosing the right model, performing thorough inspections, and avoiding common pitfalls to protect your investment.
Know Your Load Requirements and Budget
Begin by defining your maximum lift capacity, boom length, and job-site radius. A used crane should comfortably exceed your operational peak loads without forcing unnecessary stress on the machine.
A clear budget—ideally including shipping, inspection, and refurbishment—is essential. Used cranes typically offer more features and longer booms than new ones at similar price points, so long as they have a tracked maintenance history.
Choose a Reputable Brand
Brand matters—for parts availability, technical support, and reliability. In the 90–150 ton range, reputable manufacturers include Link-Belt, Manitowoc, and Grove. Liebherr cranes are often praised for support and build quality—but come with higher price tags and electronics sensitive to salty environments.
Inspect Structural Condition Thoroughly
Don’t skip an in-person inspection. Key focus areas include:

• Boom & Jib: Look for cracked welds, corrosion, or past repairs—only use manufacturer-approved materials for welding.
  
• Counterweights: Confirm original weight and secure attachment. An incomplete or modified counterweight setup alters load charts.
  
• Turntable & Bearings: Any play or wobble could indicate costly bearing issues.
  
• Crawlers/Tracks: Track condition and tension levels should be consistent and properly maintained.
  

Any structural issue—especially with lift-critical components—can cost tens of thousands to repair.
Evaluate Maintenance, Hours, and Documentation
Look for a machine with detailed service records: regular oil changes, filter swap history, and documented troubleshooting. A crane with lower hours is preferable, but adequate upkeep is more important than age.
Ownership history matters too—cranes used in harsh or corrosive environments often have hidden damage.
Test Hydraulic and Mechanical Systems

• Hydraulics: Engage all winches and movement functions; check for smooth pressure response and absence of leaks.
  
• Engine: Verify manufacturer and model (e.g., Cummins, per many Manitowoc units) for availability of maintenance help.
  
• Control panel: Look for error codes, loose harnesses, or faulty joysticks.
  

Check Transportability and Footprint
Crawler cranes often require disassembly and special trailers. Verify the machine’s shipping dimensions, modular lift chart vs. in-field needs, and whether counterweights or boom sections come with the sale.
Review Pricing vs. Total Cost of Ownership
Used 100-ton cranes often range from mid-six figures to several hundred thousand dollars, depending on brand, year, boom length, and configuration.
Factor in inspection fees, refurbishment, certification, operator training, and lifting gear.
Security and Seller Reputation
Only deal with trusted sellers. Ask for documentation: title, itemized equipment specs, certifications, and maintenance logs. Trusted platforms like IronPlanet or CraneTrader often include inspection reports and verified histories.
Real-World Perspective: Lessons from the Field
One boatyard operator considered a 2001 Liebherr for lifting up to 90,000 lb. They ultimately chose a used Manitowoc model fitted with a Cummins engine—favoring easier serviceability and lower costs—while avoiding overkill configurations like oversized jibs and full counterweights they didn’t need.
Checklist for Final Buy Decision

• Define load specs first
  Make sure the crane's rated capacity, boom length, and reach fit your typical lifting jobs. This prevents buying an overpowered or underpowered machine.
  
• Inspect boom and lattice for fatigue
  Look for cracked welds, rust, or prior damage. Structural integrity is critical to safety and performance.
  
• Review full maintenance history
  A well-documented service log can reveal how well the machine was cared for and can indicate potential issues before they arise.
  
• Test hydraulics, engine, and travel functions
  Operate all critical systems—winches, controls, slewing, and engine—for responsiveness and leaks.
  
• Confirm parts availability
  Choose a brand with strong aftermarket support to reduce downtime and long-term maintenance costs.
  
• Negotiate transport and extras
  Make sure shipping, disassembly/reassembly, counterweights, jibs, and operator manuals are included or factored into the deal.
  

Conclusion
A used 100-ton crawler crane can be a solid investment if chosen carefully. Focus on reputable brands, detailed inspection, documented history, and exact match for your load requirements. With proper diligence, a used crane can rival new models in uptime and reliability—while offering major savings upfront.