In its longest combination (up to 198+ 8m), the new crane handles a maximum payload of 192 tons at extreme heights.

This model reduces setup and dismantling time to two or three days—roughly half the time required by standard cranes in its class. In addition, it delivers fuel savings of 10 to 15% thanks to its Global Power Control Technology.

The new XCL18000M will initially operate in South Africa at an onshore wind farm near Cape Town, though it will later be used to support various petrochemical plant expansion projects and mining operations in Africa.

Among its key technological innovations are its Intelligent AI Operations system, featuring hook anti-sway, center of gravity control, and ground pressure warnings, as well as its ability to partially retract and travel between wind turbine installation sites fully upright in just six hours.

Sarens, world leader in heavy lifting, engineered transport, and crane rental services, has just added the new XCMG XCL18000M crane to its fleet in Southern Africa—a crawler crane with a maximum capacity of 1,300 tons, making it one of the largest crawler crane in the region and surpassing other models on the market that had a capacity of 1,000 tons, as well as units already in its fleet, such as the SCC8000A with a maximum capacity of 800 tons.

This new crane is specially designed for use in projects requiring particularly powerful units with high capacity, in sectors such as the petrochemical, wind energy, mining, power, and construction industries. Initially, it will be used in the development of a wind farm near Cape Town, where it will work alongside the SCC8000A to erect and install 24 wind turbines. Sarens has already identified potential projects involving petrochemical plant expansions or mining operations in Africa as possible new destinations for this unit once its work at the new wind farm is completed.

Among its technical capabilities, the new XCMG XCL18000M stands out for its high maximum lifting capacity (1,300 tons) and its peak load moment of 18,000 ton-meters. In addition, it reaches a maximum operating lift height of up to 198 meters, plus an 8-meter jib, and features a dual-drive system, which utilizes dual engines and hydraulic systems to ensure superior power and operational redundancy. It also incorporates an innovative Intelligent AI Operations system, comprising a hook anti-sway system, center of gravity control, and ground pressure warnings, among other features. This crane also operates with a 260-ton superlift (overlifting) counterweight pallet to secure extended heights and heavy radius.

In terms of energy efficiency, the new XCMG XCL18000M is capable of reducing fuel consumption by 10 to 15% thanks to its Global Power Control Technology, which dynamically optimizes engine speed and pump flow based on working conditions, directly reducing idle time. Additionally, since the main and superlift booms are transported as a single unit, hours of repetitive assembly are avoided and the need for auxiliary cranes is reduced, thereby lowering fuel consumption during transport operations.

According to Tim Biesemans, Regional Director-Southern Africa at Sarens, “The addition of this new crane model is a very important step forward for the heavy lifting industry across the region. Thanks to it, we will be able to offer strategic services in key sectors for the Southern African economy, such as petrochemicals, wind energy, mining, and construction, with the confidence that we can meet any of our clients’ needs, regardless of the scale of their project. Having one of the largest crane in the region allows us to consolidate our position as leaders in the African heavy lifting sector, with modern cranes operating under the highest safety standards and a team highly committed to quality.”