Understanding Different Types of Cranes & Jobsite Equipment for Industrial Projects

When people hear the word crane, they often picture one piece of equipment doing one job.



In reality, successful industrial and energy projects require a coordinated combination of cranes, rigging, material handling equipment, hauling, and jobsite support. Choosing the right equipment — and the right team — can determine whether a project runs smoothly or falls behind schedule.

Here’s a practical breakdown of common crane types and support equipment used in industrial construction, substations, manufacturing facilities, and green energy projects.

All-Terrain Cranes

All-terrain cranes are among the most versatile lifting machines in the industry. They are road-legal, capable of highway travel, and designed to perform on improved jobsite surfaces.

Best used for:

• Substation projects
• Transformer setting
• Industrial facility work
• Projects requiring frequent relocation

They mobilize efficiently and provide strong lifting capacity while maintaining flexibility across different environments.

Rough Terrain Cranes

Rough terrain cranes are built specifically for off-road conditions. With large rubber tires and a compact footprint, they perform well on uneven ground and in tighter industrial spaces.

Best used for:

• Manufacturing facilities
• Industrial plant maintenance
• Confined jobsite access
• Pick-and-carry operations



When maneuverability matters as much as lift capacity, rough terrain cranes are often the right solution.

Crawler Cranes

Crawler cranes operate on tracks, providing exceptional stability and higher lifting capacities for larger, longer-duration projects.

Best used for:

• Solar field installations
• Battery storage facilities
• Heavy transformer sets
• Large industrial components



Because they distribute weight across tracks, they perform well on soft ground and provide reliable stability for critical lifts.

Boom Trucks

Boom trucks are truck-mounted cranes designed for lighter lifts and quick mobilization.

Best used for:

• Equipment placement
• Maintenance support
• Smaller industrial lifts
• Projects requiring quick response



They offer efficiency and cost-effectiveness when heavy lift capacity isn’t required.

Telehandlers (Reach Forklifts)

Telehandlers are not cranes, but they are essential on many jobsites. They combine forklift capability with an extendable boom, making them ideal for material handling.

Best used for:

• Solar projects
• Material staging
• Palletized loads
• General jobsite support



On many projects, telehandlers keep material moving so crane operations stay efficient.

Rigging Equipment

The crane is only part of the equation. Proper rigging ensures safe load control and lift execution.

Rigging equipment includes:

• Slings (wire rope, synthetic, chain)
• Shackles
• Spreader bars
• Lifting beams
• Engineered lift plans



Qualified rigging and lift planning are critical for safety, compliance, and efficiency — especially in industrial and energy environments.

Support Equipment & Hauling

Large projects require more than lifting. Coordinated trucking, hauling, debris removal, and site logistics keep schedules on track.

This may include:

• Lowboy trailers
• Heavy hauling
• Water trucks
• Trash and debris removal
• Equipment staging

When these services are fragmented across multiple vendors, communication gaps can slow progress. When coordinated properly, they streamline operations.

Why Equipment Coordination Matters

Industrial and green energy projects are rarely single-scope operations. A typical project may require:

• Operated crane rental
• Qualified rigging
• Telehandlers
• Heavy hauling
• Site cleanup and support
• Project coordination

Managing these scopes through multiple vendors can introduce delays and risk. Working with a partner who understands lift planning, sequencing, and jobsite logistics reduces friction and improves accountability.

At Veteran Crane Construction, we support complex industrial and energy projects with operated crane rentals, rigging, equipment rental, hauling, and software-driven project management — always coordinating under licensed contractors when required.

Because at the end of the day, successful projects aren’t just about equipment.

They’re about reliability, communication, and follow-through.