Buy a spider crane: compact mini cranes for professionals
Looking for a spider crane for work in tight or hard-to-reach spaces? Hoeflon spider cranes have been developed for construction, assembly and industrial applications where precision and safety matter. Thanks to their compact design and electric drive, you can lift safely and in a controlled way in places where standard cranes won’t fit.
Buy a spider crane: what is a spider crane?
A spider crane is a specific type of mini crane with unique features for working in tight and complex spaces. Its most distinctive feature is its hydraulically extendable outriggers, also known as ‘spider legs’. These provide extra stability, even on uneven ground. In addition, the track width is adjustable on many models. This allows the machine to adapt easily to narrow passageways and changing work sites.
Thanks to this compact and flexible design, a spider crane is better suited to precision work in confined spaces than standard mini cranes. Whereas a traditional mini crane often has a wider build and fixed tracks, a spider crane is specifically designed to stay manoeuvrable where space is limited.
Spider cranes for construction, assembly and industrial use
Spider cranes are often bought for lifting applications in construction, assembly and industry where space and access are limited. In these situations, a compact and manoeuvrable lifting solution is important to be able to work safely and accurately.
Hoeflon spider cranes have been developed for these kinds of working situations. Thanks to their compact and manoeuvrable design, they are used in locations that larger cranes cannot reach. They combine compact deployability with the capacity to move a wide range of loads safely and accurately, such as in glass installation and industrial assembly.
Case studies: spider cranes in practice
In practice, Hoeflon spider cranes are used every day on a wide variety of projects. Think of fitting glass in tight indoor spaces, installing heavy machinery in production halls or carrying out assembly work on hard-to-reach construction sites.
Benefits of a Hoeflon spider crane
1. Compact design, maximum performance
Our models fit through narrow passageways and turn easily in aisles, thanks to their extendable outriggers and narrow, adjustable tracks.
2. Structurally strong
Hoeflon spider cranes offer high lifting capacities and a large working range, depending on the model. They are built for stability and keep working in a controlled and reliable way, even under heavy loads.
3. Electric and hybrid options
All our spider cranes are fully electric (230 V, lithium) and emission-free. So there’s no need to worry about the smell of diesel or noise nuisance.
4. Safety and stability
Each outrigger can be adjusted individually, so the crane stays stable even on uneven ground. The crane can rotate 360° on its base, so you can place the load exactly where it needs to be.
5. Plenty of options thanks to accessories
The spider crane is suitable for many different applications, and our accessories help with that. Hoeflon offers a wide range of accessory options, such as vacuum glass lifters, various jibs and a Multitool.
Comparison of Hoeflon spider cranes
| Model | Lifting capacity | Application |
|---|---|---|
| C1e | up to approx. 550 kg | indoor spaces, installation work, confined locations |
| C4e | up to approx. 2,350 kg | construction, installation, industrial work |
| C6e | up to approx. 3,000 kg | indoor work, renovation, glass installation |
| C10e and C10e Gen 3 | up to approx. 4,000 kg | construction, assembly, industry |
| C30e | up to approx. 9,000 kg | heavy industrial projects |
| C30eL | up to approx. 7,000 kg | heavy industrial projects, glass installation at height, machine relocation, pick & carry |
Choose the right crane with our product finder
To make sure you choose the right crane, we have developed a product finder. Based on a few questions about your project, we recommend the model that suits you best.
Buy a spider crane? Request a quotation straight away
At Hoeflon, you can buy spider cranes. This is particularly worthwhile if you use the machine regularly in your projects. In that case, buying offers more flexibility, immediate availability and efficient working in the long term. For occasional use, hiring can be a solution, but for recurring lifting work, buying is often the most efficient choice. If you don’t need the spider crane for a while, you can choose to hire it out.
Frequently asked questions about our spider cranes
How much does a Hoeflon spider crane cost on average?
The price of a spider crane depends on various factors, such as the chosen model, the lifting capacity and any accessories. Would you like to know which crane suits your working environment and lifting work? Then request a no-obligation demo.
During the demonstration, you get immediate insight into the possibilities and the investment, based on your requirements and usage. That way, you can be sure you are making the right choice for the long term.
How stable is a spider crane on uneven ground?
Thanks to the extendable and individually adjustable outriggers, a spider crane is extremely stable, even on rough or uneven ground. The new C6e and the C30e level themselves automatically and adapt to the situation. This means you can work safely and efficiently on slopes or in narrow spaces.
Is a spider crane difficult to operate?
No, a Hoeflon spider crane is specifically designed for intuitive and safe use. With the wireless remote control, you can easily operate all functions from one place, from positioning the outriggers to hoisting and slewing the boom. Because you walk alongside the crane, you always have a good view of your work and can work very precisely. For extra peace of mind, we offer short instruction sessions or demos to familiarise you with the controls. Many users experience how user-friendly the system is after just one demonstration.
Do I need a crane operator with a lifting certificate?
The rules for operating a Hoeflon spider crane differ from country to country. As requirements can vary by country, we always recommend contacting your local Hoeflon dealer. They can inform you about the applicable regulations and the training or certification required.
In the Netherlands, no mandatory lifting certificate is required for Hoeflon spider cranes up to and including the C10e. However, it is important that the operator can show they have been instructed in the safe operation of the machine. Germany has stricter requirements. There, operating a crane is only permitted if the operator can show they have been trained and instructed in accordance with the DGUV guidelines (such as DGUV Grundsatz 309-003). The employer must be able to demonstrate that the crane operator is suitable and competent for the work.
What are the transport dimensions?
The exact transport dimensions vary by model, but spider cranes are always compact by design. The Hoeflon C6e, for example, has a transport width of just 77 cm, so it fits through standard doorways. For most models, the height in transport position is under 2 metres. This makes them easy to transport with a trailer, a pick-up, a heavier van or a small lorry.
Can I add accessories later?
Hoeflon spider cranes have a modular design, so various accessories can be added later, such as a jib, hoist winch, vacuum glass lifter or multitool. This allows the crane to be expanded for specific applications without the need for a new model.
What is the service life of a spider crane?
With good maintenance, a spider crane lasts 10 to 15 years on average, depending on how intensively and under what conditions it is used. Many companies use their electric crane intensively for years without any problems. Run into an issue or need something extra? We also supply parts and service through our certified partners. This keeps the crane in service for a long time.
How quickly can a demo or delivery take place?
A demo can usually be scheduled within a few days to a week, depending on the availability of the crane and the location. Delivery times when buying a crane vary by model and depend on our stock. Many standard models can be delivered within a few weeks; for custom versions, the delivery time may be slightly longer.
Curious about current delivery times? Hoeflon or an authorised dealer can always give you an up-to-date delivery time.
Buy a spider crane? Request a quotation straight away
Would you like to buy a spider crane? Then request a no-obligation quotation straight away. Not quite sure which model best suits your work? Then request a demo and work out together with a specialist which crane is right for your project.
Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact us, we’re happy to help.
