Crane Comparison Guide 2025: Tractor Mounted Crane vs Hydra or Pick/Carry & Stationary Cranes for Industry
- J. Finesse
- Sep 25
- 2 min read
Selecting the right crane is critical for manufacturing units and industrial contractors. The choice between a tractor mounted crane vs Hydra also known as pick & carry crane vs a large stationary crane depends on factors such as capacity, cost, mobility, and maintenance. This guide compares all three options so factories and contractors can make informed decisions.
⚙️ Overview of Crane Types in Industry
🚜 Tractor Mounted Cranes – Affordable, tractor-powered cranes suited for light to moderate lifting. Commonly used in construction yards and manufacturing units where flexibility is needed.
🏗️ Pick & Carry Cranes (Hydra) – Highly mobile, self-propelled cranes capable of lifting and transporting heavier loads quickly within factories and construction sites. Escorts Hydra is the most well-known brand.
🔩 Large Stationary Cranes – Fixed-location heavy lifters with capacities starting at 3 tons, ideal for fabrication units and workshops requiring rare heavy lifts.
🌾 Tractor Mounted Crane – Key Features
Capacity: 3–7 tons
Compatible Equipment: Works with 35 HP+ tractors
Applications: Equipment shifting, loader/grader frame handling, industrial site lifting
Mobility: Medium – dependent on tractor
Setup: Short setup time, easy to mount/dismount
Maneuverability: Excellent in factory yards & open sites
Maintenance: Simple (tractor-like)
Price Band: ₹3–6 lakh*
Warranty: Standard 1 year
💡 Many tractor cranes are retrofitted from old tractors, providing a cost-effective alternative to new cranes.
🏗️ Pick & Carry Crane (Hydra) – Key Features
Capacity: 12–30 tons
Applications: Heavy industrial loads, intra-factory material handling, construction yards
Mobility: High – can “pick and move” loads without setup delay
Maintenance: Moderate – hydraulic systems require upkeep
Price Band: ₹9–22 lakh*
Warranty: 1 year (extendable with some brands)
Brand Reference: Escorts Hydra dominates the segment in India
🛠️ Large Stationary Crane – Key Features
Capacity: 3 tons and above (up to 75+ tons depending on model)
Applications: Heavy fabrication, factory installations, workshops
Mobility: None – fixed installation
Setup: Long setup and commissioning time
Maintenance: Complex and expensive, requires skilled teams
Price Band: ₹35 lakh & up*
Warranty: Manufacturer dependent
📊 Crane Comparison Table
Feature | Tractor Mounted Crane | Pick & Carry Crane (Hydra) | Large Stationary Crane |
|---|---|---|---|
Mobility | Medium (tractor-based) | High (self-propelled) | None (fixed) |
Setup Time | Short | Minimal | Long |
Maneuverability | Excellent in construction yards | Good for tight factory areas | Limited |
Max Capacity | 7 tons | 30 tons | 3 tons & above |
Operator | Tractor driver | Single operator | Multiple, skilled |
Maintenance | Simple (tractor-like) | Moderate (hydraulics) | Complex, costly |
Space Use | Low | Low | High |
Cost Range | ₹3–6 lakh | ₹9–22 lakh | ₹35 lakh+ |
Warranty | 1 year standard | 1 year, extendable | Manufacturer dependent |
Best Use-case | Industrial yards, moderate lifts | Rapid intra-site movement | Rare heavy lifts |
🌟 Why Mobile Cranes Make Sense for Industry
Flexibility: Can be shifted between locations with minimal effort.
Faster Setup: Reduce downtime compared to fixed cranes.
Cost Savings: Lower investment and simpler maintenance.
Space Efficient: Require less dedicated floor space – a major advantage for factories.
📦 Explore Ashok Metal Works Attachments
While AMW specializes in tractor implements, contractors can also explore our range of attachments that complement lifting operations:
Need a custom crane for your tractor?
📞 Contact Ashok Metal Works
📞 +91 94251 49002
📍 Jatrapura, Behind Ram Leela Maidan, Vidisha, Madhya Pradesh 464001
🇮🇳 Made in Bharat
