Tower Cranes vs Mobile Cranes

- October 21, 2025
What is the Difference Between Tower Cranes and Mobile Cranes?
Choosing the right crane is an essential step in planning any heavy lifting project. At RMS Cranes, we provide a wide range of crane solutions to meet the needs of industries across Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico. That is why we have outlined the main differences between tower cranes and mobile cranes to help you determine which option is best suited for your project.
Learn all about the advantages of all-terrain cranes for construction projects
While both crane types are designed for lifting heavy loads, their structure, setup, and applications vary significantly. Understanding these differences makes it easier to match the right crane to your project’s size, scope, and location.
Tower Cranes
Tower cranes are fixed to the ground or attached to structures, making them ideal for high-rise construction projects. They can reach impressive heights and offer excellent lifting capacity for heavy materials like steel beams and concrete. Tower cranes are best suited for long-term projects but require significant setup time and space, making them less practical for short-term or smaller-scale jobs.
Mobile Cranes
Mobile cranes are versatile machines that are mounted on trucks or crawlers that allow them to move easily between sites. They can be set up quickly and used in a wide variety of industries, from construction to oil and gas. While they may not reach the same heights as tower cranes, their flexibility and efficiency make them a cost-effective choice for many lifting needs.
Key Considerations
The choice between tower and mobile cranes often depends on project demands. If you are building a skyscraper, a tower crane may be the right solution. For shorter projects or those that require equipment to move between sites, mobile cranes are usually the better fit.
With nearly five decades of experience, the professional team from RMS Cranes can help you select the right crane for your project. Contact us today to learn more about our fleet and how we can support your lifting needs.
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