Capital Equipment News July 2019

TOWER CRANES

Like Comansa’s most recent large models, the 21LC1400 features a modular design of the counterjib to highly reduce the counter-radius in constrained jobsites.

Towering above market needs

The construction industry is hogging much limelight across the world, especially in developing markets, and associated sectors are enjoying the perks. The tower crane sector is one of those reaping big benefits. As demonstrated at bauma 2019, manufacturers continue to revolutionise their offerings with superior technology to meet the changing needs of the market, writes Munesu Shoko .

T ower cranes have always been prominent tools on global construction sites. A tower crane is generally a simple machine, but what astonish- es builders is its ability to perform at a varying height from a limited area. In recent years, its specifications have grabbed the eyes of the transportation sector as well, whereit has been recognised for its ability to move oversized objects with ease. Industrialisation and urban expansion, in sync at breakneck speed, are causing rapid growth in the construction sector, with emerging economies particularly enjoying the fruits of the uptick. As an associated industry, the tower crane market is profiting much. According to a report published by Market Research Future, the global tower crane market will experience a steady 4,3% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2018 and 2023 and scale a market valuation of US$22,2-billion. With 40,64% of the global market share, Asia Pacific is the tower crane haven, while significant growth will also be recorded in Middle East and Africa. By type, the tower crane market can be segmented into self-erecting, flat-top, hammerhead and luffing jib tower cranes. According to Market Research Future, self- erecting cranes have the largest market share of about US$7-billion, which could go up to US$7,2-billion by 2023

at a CAGR of 4,24%. However, the luffing jib tower crane market, with 4,56% CAGR during the forecast period, is going to register the fastest market growth and is expected to scale a US$5,3-billion market valuation. As the market grows, so has been the offerings from several leading tower crane manufacturers, especially in technological development. New exhibits by original equipment manufacturers like Liebherr, Comansa and Manitowoc at bauma 2019 indicated the wave of technological advancements in this range of equipment. Biggest self-erecting As the global market for self-erecting cranes continues to lift higher than other types of tower cranes, Liebherr used bauma 2019 to present its new 125 K – with a radius of 55 m and a maximum hook height of 65,5 m, it is said to be currently the largest fast-erecting crane on the market. The new 125 K has been specially developed for civil engineering requirements such as road traffic bridges and commercial, as well as industrial building construction. In this field, high load capacities and large radii are required for projects with limited lead times. The 125 K has a considerable initial hook height of 29,5 m as standard. Five tower sections can be additionally inserted to reach a total hook height of

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