Pricing Data
Used Crane Prices in 2026: What Every Model Is Worth
Model-by-model pricing data for Liebherr, Tadano, Grove, Manitowoc, Link-Belt, and Kobelco. Updated for Q2 2026 market conditions.
Last updated: April 2026
Used crane prices range from about $35,000 for a high-hour boom truck to well over $1.5 million for a low-hour large-capacity all-terrain or crawler crane, based on Q1-Q2 2026 Ritchie Bros auction results and Equipment Watch valuations. That wide spread reflects the sheer diversity of crane types, capacities, and application requirements across the market.
We compiled pricing data from auction results, dealer listings, industry valuation tools, and CraneNetwork marketplace data to build a detailed picture of where used crane prices sit right now. Whether you're pricing a Liebherr LTM 1100 for a bridge project, comparing Grove and Tadano rough terrain cranes for utility work, or figuring out what your aging crawler crane is worth at trade-in, the tables below give you real numbers by brand, type, and hours.
This guide covers four crane categories — rough terrain, all-terrain, crawler, and boom truck — from every major manufacturer selling in North America. Pricing is broken down by operating hours, capacity class, and brand, the three factors that drive the biggest price swings in the used crane market.
TL;DR
Used all-terrain cranes in the 60-100 ton class — the highest-volume segment — trade between $195,000 and $790,000 depending on brand, hours, and year. Liebherr holds the strongest resale value at roughly 63% retention after 5,000 hours, per Equipment Watch residual data. The used crane market has softened 8-12% from the 2023 peak, driven by easing supply chains and increased new-unit deliveries.
What Do Used Cranes Cost in 2026?
Used crane prices in 2026 range from approximately $35,000 for a high-hour 18-ton boom truck to over $1.5 million for a low-hour 200+ ton all-terrain crane, according to Ritchie Bros and Equipment Watch data. Crane pricing sits in a different universe than most other heavy equipment categories due to the capital intensity, specialized manufacturing, and the critical safety requirements these machines carry.
The most commonly traded segment — 60 to 100 ton all-terrain and rough terrain cranes — clusters between $195,000 and $790,000 for machines with 3,000-7,000 hours. This is where general contractors, steel erectors, mechanical contractors, and crane rental companies do most of their buying and selling. Boom trucks under 50 tons, popular with utilities, sign companies, and HVAC contractors, trade between $38,000 and $430,000.
A crane rental operator out of Houston shared this with us: he picked up a 2019 Tadano GR-550XL-4 with 4,200 hours at a Ritchie Bros auction in early 2026 for $178,000. The same model with comparable hours had listed on CraneNetwork for $215,000 a month prior. The 17% auction discount tracks with the 15-22% spread we typically see between auction and private-sale pricing on cranes.
Used Crane Price Range by Type
How Much Do Used Rough Terrain Cranes Cost?
Used rough terrain cranes trade between $48,000 and $620,000 depending on capacity, boom length, and hours, based on CraneNetwork listing data and Ritchie Bros post-sale results. The 30-ton class dominates transaction volume — these are the workhorses of utility construction, bridge work, and plant maintenance where the crane needs to drive onto unpaved or uneven terrain.
Rough terrain cranes offer a lower buy-in than all-terrain models because they sacrifice highway mobility. They can't self-drive between job sites on public roads at highway speed the way an all-terrain can, so they require transport on a lowboy trailer. For operations concentrated in one region or one large job site, that trade-off saves $100,000-$300,000 on the acquisition compared to an equivalent all-terrain.
Rough Terrain Crane Pricing Table
| Model | Capacity | Max Boom | 0-3K hrs | 3K-6K hrs | 6K+ hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tadano GR-300XL-4 | 30 tons | 100 ft | $135,000-$180,000 | $95,000-$135,000 | $60,000-$95,000 |
| Grove RT530E-2 | 30 tons | 99 ft | $120,000-$165,000 | $85,000-$120,000 | $55,000-$88,000 |
| Link-Belt RTC-8030 II | 30 tons | 95 ft | $110,000-$155,000 | $78,000-$112,000 | $48,000-$80,000 |
| Tadano GR-550XL-4 | 55 tons | 114 ft | $225,000-$310,000 | $160,000-$225,000 | $100,000-$165,000 |
| Grove RT770E | 65 tons | 110 ft | $280,000-$380,000 | $195,000-$280,000 | $125,000-$200,000 |
| Link-Belt RTC-80130 II | 130 tons | 161 ft | $450,000-$620,000 | $320,000-$450,000 | $200,000-$325,000 |
Prices reflect 2018-2024 model years in fair to good condition. Sources: Ritchie Bros, CraneNetwork, Equipment Watch, Q1 2026.
Pro Tip
The 30-ton rough terrain class generates the most auction volume because crane rental companies cycle these units every 5-7 years. When a major rental fleet like ALL Crane or Maxim Crane sells off a batch, prices on the open market dip 5-10% temporarily. Watch for fleet disposal events on Ritchie Bros and IronPlanet — they're the best buying windows of the year.
What Are Used All-Terrain Crane Prices by Model?
All-terrain cranes represent the premium segment of the mobile crane market, with used prices ranging from $175,000 to over $1.5 million, according to Equipment Watch residual data and CraneNetwork listings. The defining advantage of an all-terrain crane is highway mobility — these machines drive between job sites at 50+ mph on public roads, eliminating the need for a lowboy trailer and reducing mobilization costs.
Liebherr dominates this category. Their LTM series accounts for the majority of all-terrain crane transactions in North America, and the used market reflects that. A 2020 Liebherr LTM 1100-5.2 with 4,000 hours still brings $415,000-$585,000 — that's roughly 58-62% of original MSRP. Tadano's ATF series, bolstered by the Demag acquisition, has closed the gap, but Liebherr still commands a 10-15% premium at every hour bracket.
All-Terrain Crane Pricing Table
| Model | Capacity | Max Boom | 0-3K hrs | 3K-6K hrs | 6K+ hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liebherr LTM 1060-3.1 | 60 tons | 157 ft | $420,000-$580,000 | $300,000-$420,000 | $195,000-$310,000 |
| Tadano ATF 70G-4 | 70 tons | 154 ft | $380,000-$520,000 | $270,000-$385,000 | $175,000-$278,000 |
| Grove GMK4100L-2 | 100 tons | 197 ft | $520,000-$720,000 | $370,000-$525,000 | $240,000-$380,000 |
| Liebherr LTM 1100-5.2 | 100 tons | 197 ft | $580,000-$790,000 | $415,000-$585,000 | $270,000-$420,000 |
| Liebherr LTM 1160-5.2 | 160 tons | 230 ft | $780,000-$1,050,000 | $560,000-$790,000 | $370,000-$570,000 |
| Tadano ATF 220G-5 | 220 tons | 262 ft | $1,100,000-$1,500,000 | $780,000-$1,100,000 | $520,000-$790,000 |
Prices reflect 2018-2024 model years. Sources: Ritchie Bros, CraneNetwork listings, Equipment Watch residual values, Q1 2026.
Notice the price jump between 100-ton and 160-ton capacity. The Liebherr LTM 1160-5.2 commands $370,000-$1,050,000 while the LTM 1100-5.2 tops out around $790,000. That 50-60% price increase for 60% more capacity reflects the exponential cost curve of crane manufacturing — larger booms, heavier counterweight packages, more axles, and more complex hydraulic systems all compound cost.
Looking to finance a used crane?
Crane financing typically runs 60-84 months with rates between 6-11% for qualified buyers. The high capital cost makes financing the norm rather than the exception — even well-capitalized companies finance cranes to preserve cash flow. Our equipment financing guide breaks down rates, terms, and lender options for 2026.
What About Used Crawler Crane Prices?
Used crawler cranes represent the heavy end of the market, with prices ranging from $160,000 for a high-hour 75-ton telescopic crawler to over $1.3 million for a low-hour 250-ton lattice crawler, based on Equipment Watch data. These machines handle the heaviest lifts in the industry — bridge beams, refinery modules, wind turbine components, and structural steel on major commercial projects.
Crawler cranes differ from mobile cranes in one critical way: they can lift at full capacity while moving under load. That ability to pick and carry makes them essential for projects that require repositioning heavy loads across a job site. The trade-off is mobility — crawlers move at walking speed and require transport by lowboy trailer between projects, adding $5,000-$15,000 per mobilization in shipping costs.
Crawler Crane Pricing Table
| Model | Capacity | Max Boom | 0-3K hrs | 3K-6K hrs | 6K+ hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manitowoc MLC165 | 165 tons | 295 ft | $650,000-$880,000 | $460,000-$655,000 | $300,000-$470,000 |
| Liebherr LR 1250 | 250 tons | 328 ft | $950,000-$1,300,000 | $680,000-$960,000 | $450,000-$690,000 |
| Kobelco CK1200G-2 | 120 tons | 240 ft | $480,000-$660,000 | $340,000-$490,000 | $220,000-$350,000 |
| Link-Belt TCC-750 | 75 tons | 160 ft | $350,000-$480,000 | $250,000-$355,000 | $160,000-$255,000 |
| Manitowoc 11000-1 | 100 tons | 200 ft | $420,000-$580,000 | $300,000-$425,000 | $190,000-$310,000 |
Prices reflect 2018-2024 model years. Sources: Ritchie Bros, CraneNetwork, Equipment Watch, dealer survey data, Q1 2026.
Crawler cranes depreciate slower per calendar year than mobile cranes because they accumulate hours at a lower rate. A crawler crane on a bridge project might run 800-1,200 hours per year, while a busy all-terrain in a rental fleet logs 1,500-2,000 hours annually. That slower hour accumulation, combined with limited new-unit supply (Manitowoc and Liebherr produce far fewer crawlers than mobile cranes), supports used pricing.
Used Boom Truck Crane Prices
Boom truck cranes — also called truck-mounted cranes — represent the most accessible entry point into the crane market, with used prices ranging from $38,000 to $430,000. These machines mount a crane boom on a commercial truck chassis, combining lift capability with highway-legal transport. Utility companies, sign installers, HVAC contractors, and tree service operations make up the core buyer pool.
The National NBT55 at 55 tons leads transaction volume in this category, followed closely by Manitex models. Smaller boom trucks under 20 tons from Tadano and Elliott serve lighter-duty applications — rooftop HVAC placement, sign installation, and cell tower work — at price points that overlap with used telehandlers.
Boom Truck Crane Pricing Table
| Model | Capacity | Max Boom | 0-3K hrs | 3K-6K hrs | 6K+ hrs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National NBT55 | 55 tons | 128 ft | $320,000-$430,000 | $225,000-$325,000 | $145,000-$230,000 |
| Manitex 50155SHL | 50 tons | 155 ft | $280,000-$380,000 | $195,000-$285,000 | $125,000-$200,000 |
| Tadano TM-1882 | 18 tons | 82 ft | $95,000-$130,000 | $65,000-$95,000 | $38,000-$68,000 |
| Elliott 36142 | 36 tons | 142 ft | $220,000-$300,000 | $155,000-$225,000 | $95,000-$160,000 |
| National NBT30H-2 | 30 tons | 102 ft | $180,000-$250,000 | $125,000-$185,000 | $78,000-$128,000 |
Prices reflect 2018-2024 model years. Boom truck pricing includes truck chassis. Sources: Ritchie Bros, CraneNetwork, Equipment Watch, Q1 2026.
One important note on boom truck valuation: hours are measured on the crane, not the truck chassis. A boom truck may show 3,000 crane hours but have 150,000 miles on the truck engine. The truck chassis condition — engine, transmission, brakes, DOT compliance — significantly affects resale value. A clean crane on a worn-out chassis trades 15-25% below a comparable unit with a solid truck underneath.
Which Crane Brand Holds Its Value Best?
Liebherr leads all crane brands in resale value retention, holding approximately 63% of original value at 5,000 hours according to Equipment Watch Residual Value Awards data. Tadano follows at 60%, with Grove at 57%. Link-Belt, Manitowoc, and Kobelco fall in the 50-54% range.
Liebherr's resale premium comes from three factors: factory-direct service programs (Liebherr operates its own service depots in every major US market), proprietary components designed for long service life, and a reputation for engineering quality that creates persistent buyer demand. When crane rental companies trade up, the used Liebherr units generate bidding wars while competing brands move at market price.
These retention numbers directly affect your total cost of ownership. On a $900,000 new all-terrain crane, the difference between 63% and 50% retention at trade-in means $117,000 more in your pocket. That's the equivalent of two years' worth of crane operator wages. Our depreciation guide walks through how to calculate these numbers across your entire fleet.
Average Used Crane Price by Brand (60-100 Ton All-Terrain Class)
Brand Retention Comparison
| Brand | Value Retention @ 5K hrs | Price Premium | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liebherr | 63% | +12-16% | Global market leader, strongest parts network, factory-direct service programs |
| Tadano | 60% | +8-12% | Acquired Demag, broad product line, strong North American dealer presence |
| Grove (Manitowoc) | 57% | +5-8% | Long US history, good parts availability, popular in utility and general construction |
| Link-Belt | 54% | +2-4% | US-built rough terrain and telescopic crawlers, loyal regional following |
| Manitowoc | 52% | Baseline | Strong in lattice crawlers, smaller mobile crane market share vs. Liebherr and Tadano |
| Kobelco | 50% | -3-6% | Crawler crane specialist, smaller US dealer network, strong in Pacific Rim markets |
Retention percentages are approximate based on Equipment Watch Residual Value data, Ritchie Bros auction results, and CraneNetwork marketplace data, 2025-2026.
How Do Operating Hours Affect Used Crane Prices?
Operating hours are the single biggest price driver in the used crane market after capacity and type. A mid-capacity all-terrain crane loses roughly 8% of its value per 1,000 hours through the first 5,000 hours, then the depreciation curve flattens as the machine enters the working-hours bracket. This pattern holds across brands, based on depreciation curves from Equipment Watch (2025-2026 residual data).
Cranes accumulate hours differently than earthmoving equipment. An excavator or dozer might run 1,500-2,000 hours per year under continuous load. A crane, by contrast, spends significant time on standby — rigged, ready to lift, but waiting for the load. That means crane hours represent heavier duty cycles per hour than most other equipment types. A crane with 5,000 hours has done far more structural work per hour than an excavator at the same reading. That's why a thorough structural inspection matters even more on cranes than on other equipment.
How Hours Affect Crane Value (All-Terrain, 60-100 Ton Class)
Curve represents average across all major brands in the 60-100 ton all-terrain class. Individual machines vary. Sources: Equipment Watch, Ritchie Bros post-sale results.
Crane Depreciation by Hour Bracket
One pattern specific to cranes: idle hours. Many crane hour meters track engine run time, not just lifting hours. A crane that idles while rigged and waiting for loads may show higher hours with less actual structural wear than the number suggests. Savvy buyers ask for load cycle data from the load moment indicator (LMI) computer — this reveals actual lift count, load percentages, and operating radius data that paints a more accurate picture than the hour meter alone.
What Drives Used Crane Values Up or Down?
Beyond hours, brand, and capacity, several factors can swing a crane's price by 10-30%. The top value drivers, based on our analysis of Ritchie Bros post-sale data and dealer interviews, are: boom condition, LMI system compliance, counterweight configuration, wire rope condition, and certification status.
Factors That Increase Crane Value
- Current annual inspection and certification. A crane with a valid annual inspection per OSHA 1926.1412 and ASME B30 standards adds 8-15% to resale because the buyer avoids the $2,000-$5,000 inspection cost and, more importantly, can put the crane to work immediately without downtime.
- Full counterweight package.Many cranes are sold with partial counterweight. A complete counterweight set — which can weigh 20,000-80,000 lbs depending on crane size — adds $15,000-$50,000 to the machine's value. Missing counterweight slabs reduce capacity and limit the crane's usefulness.
- Jib and extension packages. A fly jib or luffing jib significantly extends reach capability. Cranes sold with the full boom and jib package command 10-20% more than bare-boom units.
- Recent wire rope replacement. New hoist rope costs $5,000-$25,000 depending on crane size and number of parts of line. A crane with fresh rope signals the seller invested in the machine before listing.
Factors That Decrease Crane Value
- Boom damage or repairs. Any welding on the boom — even professional structural repairs — triggers significant buyer concern. Cranes are engineered to precise load specifications, and field repairs compromise that engineering. Expect a 20-35% discount on cranes with documented boom repairs.
- Outdated LMI system. The load moment indicator is a safety-critical system. Cranes with older, non-compliant, or malfunctioning LMI systems face steep discounts because upgrading or replacing an LMI runs $15,000-$40,000. Many job sites and general contractors require modern LMI with data logging.
- Missing or incomplete service records. Cranes require documented maintenance for insurance, OSHA compliance, and buyer confidence. Missing records are a red flag — buyers discount these machines 15-25% and insurers may charge higher premiums.
- Non-Tier 4 engine. Older cranes with pre-Tier 4 engines face regulatory restrictions in California, the Northeast, and certain metro areas. This limits the buyer pool and reduces resale value by 10-15% compared to Tier 4 Final compliant machines.
Pro Tip
Before buying any used crane, request the LMI data download. Modern load moment indicators from Hirschmann and PAT store thousands of lift events — load weight, radius, boom angle, wind speed, and any overload warnings. This data is the crane equivalent of a vehicle's OBD-II history and reveals exactly how hard the machine has been worked. Sellers who refuse to share LMI data are hiding something.
Should You Rent or Buy a Crane?
Cranes are the most commonly rented category in the heavy equipment industry. According to the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA) and ACT Research 2025 market data, roughly 45% of crane capacity in the US is acquired through rental or bare lease arrangements. The high capital cost, specialized operator requirements, and project-based usage patterns make renting the default for most general contractors.
How Contractors Acquire Crane Capacity
The break-even calculation for cranes is straightforward but the numbers are large. At current bare rental rates of $15,000-$45,000 per month for a 100-ton all-terrain crane, buying used makes financial sense once utilization exceeds 60% annually — roughly 7-8 months of active use. Below that, renting avoids the carrying costs that accumulate fast on a $500,000+ asset: insurance ($15,000-$30,000/year), annual inspection ($2,000-$5,000), storage, and maintenance. Our rent vs. buy analysis walks through the full calculation.
For companies that buy, the tax advantages are significant. Section 179 allows full first-year deduction of the purchase price on qualifying equipment, including used cranes. On a $450,000 used Grove GMK4100L-2, that's a $450,000 deduction against taxable income — effectively reducing the net acquisition cost by $100,000-$160,000 depending on your tax bracket. For crane companies buying multiple units per year, this deduction fundamentally changes the buy vs. rent math.
Where to Buy a Used Crane
The used crane market operates through three primary channels, each with distinct pricing dynamics and buyer considerations:
- Auctions (Ritchie Bros, IronPlanet, Euro Auctions). Typically 15-22% below dealer or private listing prices. Cranes are sold as-is, and pre-sale inspection access varies by auction house. Best for experienced crane buyers who can evaluate structural condition, LMI compliance, and certification status independently. Our auction guide covers bidding strategies.
- Specialized marketplaces (CraneNetwork, CraneMarket, CraneTrader). These crane-specific listing platforms attract the most qualified buyers and sellers. Pricing is transparent, and most listings include detailed specs, inspection reports, and certification status. The 5-10% premium over auction pricing reflects the reduced risk and better documentation.
- Dealer and manufacturer certified programs. Liebherr, Tadano, and Grove all offer certified used programs through their dealer networks. These come with inspected and serviced machines, limited warranties, and sometimes factory-backed financing. Premium pricing (10-20% above auction), but the risk reduction justifies the cost for companies entering the crane market for the first time.
Regardless of the channel, always commission a third-party crane inspection before closing. The ASME B30 standard outlines what a thorough crane inspection should cover, and our inspection guide explains the broader process. Budget $2,000-$5,000 for a qualified crane inspector — on a $300,000+ purchase, that's money well spent. And be alert to scam tactics that specifically target high-value equipment transactions.
Used Crane Market Trends for 2026
Several forces are shaping the used crane market in 2026. Understanding these trends helps buyers time their purchases and sellers set realistic expectations.
- New-unit backlogs are clearing. The 18-24 month lead times that plagued crane manufacturers from 2021-2023 have shortened to 8-12 months for most models. As new cranes arrive, rental companies are cycling older units into the used market, increasing supply and softening prices 8-12% from the 2023 peak.
- Wind energy and data center construction are sustaining demand. The US wind turbine installation and data center buildout are driving demand for 100-300 ton cranes. Used cranes in this range hold pricing better than smaller models because demand from these sectors offsets the general market softening.
- Infrastructure spending is creating a floor. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues to fund bridge, highway, and utility projects nationwide. This federal spending creates sustained demand for 30-100 ton cranes in the rough terrain and all-terrain categories, preventing the kind of price collapse that hit the market after the 2008 recession.
- Emissions compliance is widening the Tier 4 premium. As more states adopt California-style emissions rules, pre-Tier 4 cranes face a shrinking geographic market. The price gap between Tier 4 Final and pre-Tier 4 machines has widened from 5-8% in 2023 to 10-15% in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About Used Crane Prices
How much does a used crane cost?
A used crane typically costs between $35,000 and $1,500,000 or more depending on crane type, lifting capacity, boom length, brand, and operating hours. Small rough terrain cranes under 30 tons start around $35,000-$120,000 with mid-range hours, while 100-ton all-terrain cranes trade between $350,000 and $800,000. Large crawler cranes rated at 200+ tons can exceed $1.5 million on the used market. Liebherr and Tadano command the strongest resale values across all crane categories.
What is the best used crane brand for resale value?
Liebherr consistently leads crane resale values globally, retaining approximately 60-65% of original value at 5,000 hours according to Equipment Watch residual data. Tadano (which acquired Demag in 2019) follows at 58-62%, benefiting from a broad product line and strong North American dealer support. Grove holds 55-58% retention in the US market, while Manitowoc and Link-Belt fall in the 50-55% range. The key driver is parts availability and certified service — Liebherr and Tadano both operate direct factory service programs that give buyers long-term confidence.
How many hours is too many on a used crane?
The market applies steep discounts above 8,000 hours on mobile cranes and above 10,000 hours on crawler cranes. At those thresholds, buyers anticipate major overhauls: engine rebuilds ($25,000-$60,000), hydraulic system refurbishment ($15,000-$40,000), and potential boom structural inspections ($5,000-$15,000). Under 4,000 hours is considered low-hour for mobile cranes and commands premium pricing. The 4,000-7,000 hour range is where most transactions happen. Crawler cranes tolerate higher hours because their duty cycles involve slower, steadier operation compared to mobile cranes.
Is it cheaper to buy a used crane or rent one?
Renting makes financial sense for utilization below 60% annually. At current rental rates of $8,000-$35,000 per month for a 50-100 ton mobile crane, buying used breaks even once you run the crane more than 7-8 months per year. Below that threshold, renting avoids insurance, storage, maintenance, and annual inspection costs. For fleet operators who keep cranes busy year-round, buying used at 30-45% below new pricing and claiming Section 179 deductions delivers significantly lower total cost of ownership over a 5-7 year hold.
Do used cranes need certification before operating?
Yes. OSHA 1926.1400 (Cranes and Derricks in Construction) requires that all cranes undergo a documented inspection by a qualified person before initial use and annually thereafter. Used cranes must pass a thorough inspection covering structural components, wire rope, hydraulic systems, safety devices (load moment indicator, anti-two-block), and boom integrity. Many buyers hire a third-party crane inspector or the manufacturer's service team to perform a pre-purchase inspection — typically costing $2,000-$5,000 depending on crane size. Skipping this step creates serious liability risk.
What type of crane holds value the best?
All-terrain cranes in the 60-100 ton class hold value best as a category. They sit in the sweet spot of demand — versatile enough for highway work, building construction, refinery maintenance, and wind energy projects. According to Ritchie Bros auction data from 2024-2026, all-terrain cranes retain roughly 55-65% of original value at 5,000 hours. Rough terrain cranes retain 50-58%, while crawler cranes retain 45-55% due to higher new-unit pricing and more specialized applications.
Get Your Crane's Value
The tables and charts above give you a solid baseline for used crane pricing. But every crane is different — year, hours, condition, boom configuration, counterweight package, certification status, and LMI compliance all affect the final number. If you're looking to sell, we provide cash offers within 24 hours based on live market data. No listing fees, no auctions, no waiting.
If you're buying, start with our crane spec pages to compare models side by side, then check the pricing guide for broader context across all equipment types.