Slow or fast mobile crane: which machine to choose to increase productivity?

Navigating the many names and varied specifications of mobile cranes isn't always easy. How, for example, do you differentiate between a slow-moving crane and a fast-moving crane? They look similar and are often used simultaneously on the same worksite. So how do you know which one to choose for your lifting operations? What are the advantages of each?

Slow crane, fast crane: what are the differences?

A slow-moving or mobile crane is defined as a lifting device with a telescopic boom mounted on an integrated carrier, allowing for movement. The main distinction between a slow-moving crane and a fast-moving mobile crane lies in their ability to travel on public roads. Slow-moving cranes, which generally have a maximum speed of 40 km/h, are not permitted on public roads and are not registered. They are also called construction cranes and are considered public works equipment. Fast-moving cranes, on the other hand, can travel on regular roads and therefore must be registered. A heavy goods vehicle (HGV) license is required to operate them.

What are the advantages of a fast crane?

Fast-moving cranes, also known as all-terrain cranes, are the most common type of mobile crane on construction sites. Their main advantage lies in their ease of movement from one site to another, as they can travel on roads. They are therefore particularly well-suited to short-term projects, lasting no more than two weeks. Fast-moving mobile cranes are highly sought after by rental companies, who can offer them to various clients for short-term assignments and benefit from their mobility between sites.
Fast-moving cranes are also very versatile, able to meet the demands of diverse terrains. The largest models can lift over 1,000 tons, sometimes reaching heights of over 50 meters.

What are the advantages of a slow crane?

Economical, easy to use, and efficient, self-propelled cranes offer numerous advantages over high-speed cranes. Even though slow-moving cranes are not permitted on public roads and must be transported on a low-loader, they remain a significant alternative to high-speed mobile cranes.

Significant savings thanks to slow-moving cranes

Slow-moving cranes offer an excellent ROI with very competitive market prices, significantly lower than those of a road-going mobile crane. Acquisition costs are therefore reduced. The same applies to operating costs, particularly for medium-term projects requiring a crane on-site for several weeks. Choosing a slow-moving crane avoids the long-term immobilization of high-speed cranes, which are better suited to short-term interventions between sites.
Slow-moving mobile cranes also offer operating cost savings thanks to their non-road diesel (GNR) engines, which, in addition to being more environmentally friendly, benefit from more stable prices and tax breaks applicable until July 2021. Slow-moving cranes also operate on long-life construction tires, reducing the need for tire replacement. Finally, a remote control can be added to slow-moving cranes to reduce the number of on-site handling personnel required.

Slow-moving cranes: simple to use every day

Unlike high-speed mobile cranes, slow-speed cranes do not require registration, and therefore no vehicle registration documents or heavy goods vehicle licenses are necessary. A CACES R483 certification is sufficient to operate them. Slow-speed cranes also do not require vehicle inspections: only a periodic general inspection (VGP) is required.
In addition to these simplified formalities, slow-speed cranes are easy to learn, easy to use, easy to move, and easy to maintain. They offer reduced maintenance thanks to their simple design: a single engine, a single cab, minimal electronics, and easy access to hydraulic components. Slow-speed cranes are quick to learn, even for novice operators, thanks in particular to their proportional boom.

Efficiency and versatility of slow-moving cranes on construction sites

Slow-moving cranes are essential for working on undeveloped sites or unpaved roads. Robust and adaptable, they handle all types of terrain, whether flat or uneven. Thanks to their compact chassis, these mobile cranes can also operate inside buildings or in confined spaces.
Versatile and efficient, they offer a combination of pick-and-carry capabilities and high lifting performance on their outriggers, allowing them to be moved even with a partial load.
Their four-wheel drive (4x4x4) provides excellent maneuverability. The telescopic boom (rather than a pin-type boom) enables much faster deployment, thus increasing productivity. Slow-moving
cranes are well-suited to a variety of sectors, including construction, civil engineering, the petrochemical industry, metal construction, and port operations.

SNM Cranes, distributor of Terex slow-moving cranes in France

The Terex brand has been recognized for many years in the crane sector, particularly for slow-moving cranes. Terex develops a wide range of RT (Rough Terrain) slow-moving cranes, from 35 to 90 tonnes, with a maximum boom length of 30 to 45 meters.
SNM Cranes, as an authorized Terex distributor throughout the French market, sells RT slow-moving cranes and tower cranes, offers long-term rentals, as well as maintenance and spare parts. SNM Cranes also offers a stock of used equipment of all brands to meet all budget constraints.
With 40 years of experience in the crane industry, two branches located near Nantes and Lyon, and mobile technician teams near Paris and Bordeaux, SNM Cranes puts its expertise at your disposal for all your lifting and handling needs in France and abroad. We provide on-site or workshop crane repair services as quickly as possible. SNM also offers full-service maintenance and servicing contracts to guarantee the smooth operation of your mobile cranes and optimal productivity for your operations.
SNM Cranes also maintains its own stock of Terex spare parts at its branches in Nantes and Lyon for fast delivery throughout France. Our responsiveness is a daily commitment to minimizing downtime for your equipment. Have
a question about a crane's technical capabilities? Need to sell your used equipment? Require emergency repairs for your mobile crane? Looking for spare parts? Our specialized and passionate team is ready to assist you and will be happy to answer all your questions!
To contact us, click HERE
. See you soon!

For dense urban construction sites, where flying over neighboring properties is prohibited, the luffing jib tower crane remains the most manageable solution.

On small construction sites and individual houses, a quick-assembly crane can be deployed in a few hours and limits logistics.