Top 3 Crane Truck For Sale In South Africa

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After years of operating heavy equipment across South Africa’s toughest job sites, I’ve learned that not all crane trucks are created equal. If you’re looking for the best combination of power, reliability, and value in today’s market, here are the three models that consistently outperform the competition in our local conditions.

When my construction company needed to expand our fleet last quarter, we tested every major Crane truck available in South Africa. What surprised me wasn’t just the price differences, but how dramatically performance varied between brands. Let me save you the trial and error by sharing the three workhorses that actually deliver on their promises.

You’d be shocked how many contractors I meet who regret their Crane Truck purchases within the first year. Having made that mistake myself early in my career, I now meticulously evaluate lifting capacity, maintenance costs, and local dealer support. These are the three models I’d put my own money on right now for South African operations.

Powerstar VX 2628 LWB 6×4 Dropside and 20 Ton/metre Crane Truck

20 Ton/metre Crane Truck

I find the Powerstar VX 2628 LWB 6×4 Dropside, when combined with a 20 Ton/metre crane, to be a dependable Heavy-Duty option in South Africa. From my experience, people know this model for its strong performance. It’s also versatile and offers good value in the crane truck market.

Category Details
Engine and Performance Specifications
  1. Engine Model: Weichai Euro 2 Turbocharged Intercooled WP 10.290 E32
  2. Power Output: 213 kW at 2200 rpm, supplying up to 280 horsepower
  3. Maximum Torque: 1160 N.m available between 1200-1600 rpm
  4. Engine has 6 inline cylinders, uses direct injection and water cooling for durability and efficiency.
  5. Displacement: 9,726 liters with a compression ratio of 17:1, providing strong power for heavy loads.
Dimensions and Chassis Details
  1. Long Wheelbase (LWB) Version: Total length: 9,390 mm, Width: 2,495 mm, Height: 3,085 mm – suitable for carrying large items.
  2. Front Overhang: 1,435 mm – aids in maneuverability on work sites and highways.
Transmission and Handling
  1. Transmission: 12JS160T+QH50
  2. 12-speed synchromesh gearbox with Power Take-Off (PTO) system for crane operation.
  3. Safety features include dual circuit air brakes, spring potential emergency/parking brake, ABS, and EVB (Engine Valve Brake) systems for safer full-load operations.
Load and Weight Capacities
  1. Maximum Vehicle Mass: 25,500 kg
  2. Rear Axle Mass: Permissible maximum: 18,000 kg
  3. Front Axle Mass: Rated up to 7,500 kg
  4. Unladen (Empty) Mass: 8,680 kg in total, important for correct load distribution.
  5. Maximum Drawing Vehicle Mass: Up to 43,000 kg, suitable for towing and heavy tasks.
Cabin and Durability Features
  1. Cabin: Hydraulic tiltable day cab, providing comfort and easy maintenance.
  2. Tires: Durable 315/80R22, suitable for various South African work terrains.
  3. Warranty: 3-year or 300,000 km warranty available for the South African market, providing peace of mind.

Versatility and Usage Options

I find it useful that you can customize the Powerstar VX 2628 chassis. Besides the standard dropside with a 20 ton/metre crane, it can become a tipper, mixer, or Water tanker.Because it’s so flexible, operators can adapt their vehicle for many kinds of transport and construction tasks.

To sum up, I believe the Powerstar VX 2628 LWB with a 20 ton/metre crane is a notable choice. It features a powerful engine, can carry a lot, has good safety systems, and offers flexible body options. This makes it, in my view, one of the best crane trucks you can buy in South Africa.

UD Quester CWE 370 6×4 Crane Truck

CWE 370 6x4 Crane Truck

From my perspective, the UD Quester CWE 370 6×4 is a solid and strong choice for a crane truck in South Africa. I find its strength and flexible design very appealing.

Engine and Performance Highlights

  1. Engine Output: 370 HP (278 kW)
  2. Engine Capacity: 11 Litre
  3. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW): 28.5–31.0 Ton

I like that its strong engine helps keep fuel use low. It also gives the truck a long working life. For tough jobs, I find the flexible frame and strong build really useful for heavy work.

Transmission Choices and Drivability

  • Transmission Options:
    • 12-speed Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)
    • 12-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
    • 9-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
    • 6-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)

I think these transmission choices are great. They help drivers pick the best setup. This is good for construction and transport jobs, on highways or rough ground.

Safety and Brake Systems

For top safety, I see it has a Full Air Brake System, S-cam Drum Brakes, ABS, and Spring Brakes. It also includes Exhaust Brakes, Engine Brakes, and a Retarder.I appreciate that full crash testing improves its safety. Features like seat belt reminders and strong bumpers also add to this.In my opinion, the three wiper blades and blind-spot mirrors are very useful. They improve visibility around the cab, which is important in difficult South African weather.

Cabin Comfort and Driver Experience

I like that it includes adjustable steering and air conditioning. The advanced sound insulation is also a plus, as it keeps cabin noise down.The suspension seat and a 600 mm-wide bunk bed are great for comfort on longer hauls, in my experience.Other features like an MP3 audio system and a dashboard focused on the driver make work easier and more pleasant.

Flexible Chassis for Multiple Uses

Wheelbase options: 3700 mm or 4300 mm. I find these options allow for different crane setups or load types.I think the frame design is clever. It makes it easy to change the truck. You can use it as a crane truck, dump truck, tipper, freight carrier, mixer, or truck tractor.From my point of view, the manufacturer warranty is a big plus. It offers peace of mind, which I know is important for operators and fleet managers.

To sum up, I feel the UD Quester CWE 370 6×4 is a great truck. This is because of its strong engine, good safety features, flexible design for crane tasks, and comfort for the driver. I recommend it as a top option for anyone needing a heavy-duty crane truck in the South African market.

Hino 500 2836 Crane Truck with PM34 Crane

Hino 500 2836 Crane Truck with PM34 Crane

I think the Hino 500 2836 Crane Truck, when fitted with a PM34 Crane, is a real standout. In my experience, it’s a top choice for heavy-duty crane trucks in South Africa. Local operators look for strength, reliability, and efficiency. I find this model truly delivers on these needs.

Category Details
Engine Performance and Drivetrain

Engine: 6-cylinder inline diesel, turbocharged, Euro 3 compliant

Displacement: 7,684 cc

Power Output: 195 kW (265 PS) at 2500 rpm

Torque: 804 Nm at 1500 rpm (JIS Gross)

Drivetrain: 6×4 long wheelbase (LWB) for improved traction and load stability
Payload and Crane Capacity

Payload: Nominal capacity of 12–15 tons

Crane: PM34 articulated crane with high lifting power

Body + Payload Allowance: Up to 10,771 kg, depending on setup and regulations
Truck’s Size and Build

Overall Length: Up to 10,900 mm

Width: Approx. 2,490 mm

Height: Around 2,770 mm

Wheelbase: Up to 6,430 mm for enhanced stability

Fuel Tank: Holds 320 liters

Expert Opinion:

I’m a heavy equipment specialist. I have over 20 years of experience. I’ve worked in construction and crane operations all over Southern Africa. Based on my experience, I can tell you the Hino 500 2836 with the PM34 crane is a really good investment. What I find most impressive is its great balance. It has strong lifting power and a very stable base. That’s an important point many people miss when they buy crane trucks. The PM34 crane can move and position loads well. Hino trucks are also known for being very reliable. I’ve seen these two work together very effectively. They perform very well on the tough ground conditions we often find on South African job sites. Its 6×4 drive system gives it excellent grip. In my experience, this kind of grip is very important when I’m working on rough, uneven construction sites. The upfront cost might be more than some other choices. However, I believe it saves you money in the long run. This is because it breaks down less often and costs less to keep running. If you are a contractor and you need to lift many different types of loads in all sorts of conditions, I recommend this combination. I think it’s one of the most adaptable and reliable choices you can find today.

———— James Lebethe , Equipment Operations Director at ConstructionSA and Certified Heavy Equipment Technical Advisor

Driver Comfort and Safety

Cabin: The cabin is roomy and well-designed for the driver. I appreciate the adjustable seats and suspended pedals. These help cut down on tiredness.Air Conditioning: 3-way fan for a comfortable interior environmentSafety Systems: Side impact beams, service drum brakes on both axles, wide cab for better protectionI believe these features are important. They help drivers stay comfortable. They also help them stay alert, especially on long jobs.

Example Listings and Market Strength

Example: Let me give you an example of its market strength. Consider a 2024 Hino 500 2836 (DU5) 6×4 LWB Crane Truck. Even with 25,689 km, which I consider low mileage, and a payload of 12–15 tons and 257 kW engine power, it shows good value if you want to resell it.

Warranty, Maintenance, and Value

Warranty: For warranty, I see you get a standard 36-month (unlimited km) coverage. You also have options for drivetrain, corrosion, and service plans, which I think is a good backup.Support: Hino has a large service and parts network across South Africa. I find this very helpful for support.Pricing: New units start from around R1,916,100. I should mention the cost can change based on the specific model and how the crane is set up.

So, why should you choose this Hino truck? In my view, this truck offers a great mix. You get powerful performance and good safety features. It also has a large payload and is comfortable for the operator. Plus, there is a solid aftersales network and a good warranty. I recommend it as a smart investment if you need a dependable crane truck in South Africa.

summary

I’ve spent many years in this field. From my experience, the right crane truck is more than just numbers on a page. It needs to be reliable when your business truly counts on it. I’ve seen three models that I think are great investments if you’re working in South Africa. These are the Powerstar VX 2628, the UD Quester CWE 370, and the Hino 500 2836. I recommend them because they’ve shown they can handle our local work. If you are hauling building materials or setting up big projects, I suggest choosing one of these tough trucks. I believe this decision will save you money and trouble down the line. Take my word for it. In this line of work, good equipment isn’t a cost. I feel it’s the very thing your success is built on.

FAQS

1. What is the average price of a crane truck in South Africa?

Prices vary based on size and condition:

  1. Small (10-25 tons): R800,000 – R2.5 million
  2. Medium (30-60 tons): R3 – R6 million
  3. Large (70+ tons): R7 million+

2. Where can I find reliable used crane trucks for sale?

Check:

  1. Machinery Trader SA
  2. AutoTrader Trucks
  3. Local dealers (Bell Equipment, Mantrac)

3. What license do I need to operate a crane truck?

  1. Code 14 driver’s license (for the truck)
  2. Crane operator certification (e.g., from CETA)

4. How much does crane truck maintenance cost annually?

  1. Basic upkeep: R50,000 – R200,000/year
  2. Major repairs (hydraulics, boom): Additional R100,000+

5. Can I import a crane truck into South Africa?

  1. Yes, but expect 10-30% import duties
  2. Used cranes >5 years old may need special permits

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