Sarens Expands Southern African Fleet With 1,300 Tonne XCMG Crawler Crane

30 Second Takeaway

Sarens is expanding its heavy lifting and material handling fleet in Southern Africa through a major order placed with XCMG. The investment is led by the 1,300 tonne XLC18000M crawler crane, which will be the first of the newly ordered cranes to arrive in South Africa. Its initial project will involve erecting wind turbines at a wind farm near Cape Town before the crane moves to mining and petrochemical projects elsewhere in Africa. The wider package covers crawler cranes from 400 to 1,300 tonnes, All Terrain cranes, truck cranes, Rough Terrain cranes, forklifts, access platforms and telehandlers.

XCMG Fleet Expansion for Southern Africa

Sarens is adding a comprehensive range of XCMG equipment to support projects across Southern Africa. The order extends beyond a single crane class and is intended to provide equipment for applications ranging from general site lifting and material handling to wind turbine installation and major industrial construction.

The package includes:

• Crawler cranes from 400 to 1,300 tonnes

• XCA260H All Terrain cranes

• XCA160H All Terrain cranes

• XCA100H All Terrain cranes

• QY85KH truck cranes

• XCR55L5H Rough Terrain cranes

• XCR90 Rough Terrain cranes

• Forklifts from 0.5 to 32 tonnes

• Access platforms with working heights from 30 to 50 metres

• Telehandlers with capacities from five to 12 tonnes

The equipment will support Sarens operations in South Africa and other African markets including Namibia, Angola, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique.

XLC18000M Leads the New Crane Package

The largest crane included in the order is the XCMG XLC18000M lattice boom crawler crane.

The machine has a maximum rated capacity of 1,300 tonnes and a maximum load moment of approximately 18,000 tonne metres. Sarens describes it as one of the largest crawler cranes operating in Southern Africa. The crane will extend the upper end of Sarens’ regional crawler fleet beyond its existing 800 tonne XCMG SCC8000A.

Its capacity and long boom systems make it suitable for projects involving:

• Large wind turbine components

• Petrochemical vessels

• Mining plant

• Power generation equipment

• Industrial modules

• Heavy structural assemblies

• Major infrastructure components

Actual lifting capacity depends on the selected boom system, working radius, counterweight arrangement and complete crane configuration.

First Assignment at Wind Farm Near Cape Town

The XLC18000M will begin work at an onshore wind farm near Cape Town, South Africa.

Sarens said the crane will work alongside its XCMG SCC8000A during the erection and installation of 24 wind turbines.

Modern wind projects require cranes capable of handling increasingly large components at substantial hook heights.

The principal lifts can cover:

• Lower and upper tower sections

• Nacelles

• Drive train components

• Hubs

• Generator assemblies

• Individual blades

• Preassembled rotors

The crane configuration required for each lift depends on the turbine model, component weight, hub height, working radius and site layout. Following completion of the wind farm assignment, Sarens plans to redeploy the XLC18000M to mining and petrochemical projects across Africa.

Long Boom Combination Reaches 198 Metres

The XLC18000M can be configured with a boom combination extending to approximately 198 metres plus an eight metre jib. In its longest configuration, Sarens states that the crane can handle loads of up to 192 tonnes at extreme height.

This combination is intended for projects where substantial lifting capacity must be maintained at the heights required for large wind turbines and industrial structures.

A long boom creates different engineering requirements from a short heavy lift configuration.

Planning must account for:

• Boom self weight

• Working radius

• Wind speed

• Load surface area

• Ground bearing pressure

• Superlift radius

• Counterweight position

• Crane travel requirements

• Assembly area

• Clearances around the crane

Wind turbine components such as blades can have a relatively low weight compared with their size, making wind loading an important part of the lift plan.

260 Tonne Superlift Counterweight

The XLC18000M can operate with a 260 tonne superlift counterweight pallet. A superlift system places additional counterweight behind the crane, increasing the distance between the counterweight and the crane’s centre of rotation. This creates a larger balancing moment and can improve lifting capacity at longer radii and greater boom lengths. The superlift system must be configured according to the applicable XCMG load chart and project lift plan.

Its operation requires consideration of:

• Counterweight radius

• Tail swing

• Ground loading

• Counterweight movement

• Crane orientation

• Clearance from structures

• Travel configuration

• Exclusion zones

The selected arrangement for the Cape Town wind project will depend on the individual turbine components and installation sequence.

Dual Drive System Provides Redundancy

The XLC18000M incorporates a dual drive system using two engines and two hydraulic systems. The arrangement provides the power required for the crane’s lifting, slewing and travel functions while also introducing a level of operational redundancy.

Redundancy can be important on major lifting projects where equipment availability affects an extensive construction schedule.

The two systems must work together within the crane’s control architecture while supplying power to the required hydraulic functions. The exact operating response to a fault depends on the affected system, crane configuration and manufacturer procedures. The dual arrangement does not remove the need for inspection, preventive maintenance or contingency planning.

Intelligent Operations Technology

The crawler crane incorporates XCMG’s Intelligent AI Operations system.

Sarens lists several assistance functions within the system:

• Hook anti sway

• Centre of gravity control

• Ground pressure warnings

• Operating condition monitoring

• Crane configuration information

• Movement assistance

Hook anti sway technology is designed to reduce uncontrolled movement of the suspended hook and load.

Centre of gravity monitoring provides additional information about the crane and load relationship during operation. Ground pressure warnings support the operating team by identifying conditions that require attention within the crane’s configured monitoring system.

These functions assist the operator and lift team. They do not replace an engineered lift plan, verified ground preparation, crane inspection or qualified personnel.

Global Power Control Targets Fuel Savings

XCMG’s Global Power Control Technology adjusts engine speed and hydraulic pump flow according to the crane’s working conditions. The objective is to supply the power required for a particular function while reducing unnecessary engine output and idle consumption.

Sarens states that the system can reduce fuel use by approximately 10 to 15 percent, depending on the operating cycle and project conditions.

Fuel consumption on a crawler crane is influenced by:

• Load weight

• Lifting radius

• Boom configuration

• Hoisting speed

• Slewing frequency

• Travel requirements

• Idle time

• Weather conditions

• Engine loading

• Maintenance condition

Reducing fuel consumption can lower both operating costs and direct emissions during extended construction programmes.

Assembly Designed for Faster Mobilisation

Sarens states that the XLC18000M can be assembled or dismantled in approximately two to three days, around half the time associated with some conventional cranes in the same capacity class. The main boom and superlift boom are designed to be transported together as a single assembly, reducing repetitive connection work during mobilisation.

A shorter assembly period can reduce:

• Auxiliary crane hours

• Assembly labour

• Time occupying the crane pad

• Fuel used by support equipment

• Project mobilisation time

The actual assembly schedule will depend on the crane configuration, delivery sequence, available space, ground preparation, crew experience and site conditions.

Large crawler cranes still require a carefully planned mobilisation involving numerous transport loads, counterweight sections, boom components and support equipment.

Upright Travel Between Turbine Positions

The XLC18000M is designed to partially retract and travel between wind turbine installation positions while remaining upright. Sarens states that the crane can complete this reconfiguration and travel process in approximately six hours. Moving between turbine foundations without completely lowering and rebuilding the boom can reduce the time required between installation locations.

Before travelling, the project team must confirm:

• Approved crane travel configuration

• Boom angle

• Counterweight arrangement

• Track position

• Route width

• Ground bearing capacity

• Route gradient

• Crossfall

• Overhead clearances

• Wind limits

Wind farm roads and crane pads must be engineered for the crawler crane’s weight and ground pressure throughout the travel route.

Crawler Crane Range Covers 400 to 1,300 Tonnes

Sarens’ wider XCMG crawler crane order covers capacities from 400 to 1,300 tonnes.

A range of capacities allows the company to select equipment according to the requirements of each project rather than using the largest crane for every lift.

Medium and high capacity crawler cranes can support:

• Wind turbine erection

• Refinery construction

• Mining plant installation

• Power station projects

• Bridge construction

• Port development

• Industrial maintenance

• Module installation

Crawler cranes can travel within prepared sites and, in approved configurations, move with a suspended load. Their lattice boom systems provide combinations of lifting capacity, height and radius suited to long term construction projects.

XCA260H Supports Heavy Industrial Assembly

The XCMG XCA260H is the largest All Terrain crane identified in the mobile crane portion of the fleet package. Sarens intends to use the model for heavy industrial assembly, major infrastructure work, bridge construction and energy equipment installation.

All Terrain cranes combine road mobility with the ability to operate on prepared construction and industrial sites. The XCA260H can support projects requiring greater mobile crane capacity without the assembly requirements of a large lattice boom crawler.

Its final project capability depends on the boom, counterweight, outrigger and jib configuration selected for each lift.

XCA160H Provides Mobility Between Projects

The XCA160H adds a mid capacity All Terrain option for projects requiring regular movement between sites.

Sarens identifies potential applications in:

• Road infrastructure

• Industrial assembly

• Civil construction

• Petrochemical projects

• Gas facilities

• General equipment installation

The crane’s multi axle carrier allows it to travel between projects with fewer transport components than a crawler crane. Additional counterweight, hook blocks, mats and attachments can still require separate transport depending on road regulations and the selected operating configuration.

XCA100H Targets Compact Mobile Lifting

The XCA100H provides a more compact All Terrain crane for urban construction, structural steel erection and medium scale infrastructure work. Its smaller capacity and footprint allow it to address lifts where access, road travel or setup area limit the use of larger equipment.

Applications can include:

• Structural steel

• Precast concrete

• Plant maintenance

• Mechanical installation

• Building services

• Utility projects

• General construction

The addition gives Sarens another option for supporting daily project work alongside its larger heavy lift cranes.

Truck and Rough Terrain Cranes Added

Sarens has also ordered QY85KH truck cranes for work requiring road mobility and relatively rapid setup. Truck cranes can move efficiently between project locations and support public works, material handling, plant maintenance and general construction. The XCR55L5H and XCR90 Rough Terrain cranes are intended for work on unpaved and demanding sites.

Their applications include:

• Open pit mines

• Oil and gas fields

• Industrial construction

• Site preparation

• Infrastructure projects

• Pick and carry operations

Rough Terrain cranes use off road carriers and outriggers to combine site mobility with lifting capability.

Material Handling and Access Equipment Included

The agreement includes more than cranes. Sarens has ordered forklifts with capacities from 0.5 to 32 tonnes, access platforms reaching from 30 to 50 metres and telehandlers with capacities from five to 12 tonnes.

These machines can support the wider project activities surrounding heavy lifting operations.

Forklifts handle components, tooling, rigging and construction materials at ground level.

Telehandlers combine material handling capacity with reach, supporting work across uneven construction sites.

Access platforms give personnel controlled access to elevated work areas during assembly, inspection and installation. Adding these categories allows Sarens to supply a broader equipment package from one fleet.

Strategic Agreement Signed With XCMG

The investment follows a long term global strategic agreement between Sarens and XCMG.

The relationship was reinforced in March 2026 through a bulk purchase contract and joint research and development plan.

The collaboration covers:

• Product development

• Field applications

• Smart technologies

• Lifecycle services

• Equipment performance

• Regional operating requirements

• Service support

The agreement provides a structure through which Sarens can share operational experience from project sites while XCMG develops and supports equipment for those applications.

For Sarens, the arrangement provides access to multiple equipment categories within one purchasing and support programme.

Regional Fleet Supports Several African Markets

The new equipment will support work beyond South Africa.

Sarens has identified markets including:

• Namibia

• Angola

• Ivory Coast

• Democratic Republic of Congo

• Zambia

• Tanzania

• Mozambique

The region contains major mining, energy, petrochemical, infrastructure and port projects requiring cranes and specialised transport equipment. Deploying equipment between countries requires planning for customs, permits, transport routes, technical support, parts and operator training. A broader regional fleet can reduce the need to import individual cranes from outside Africa for every major project.

Wind, Mining and Petrochemical Demand

The order is structured around several important Southern African project sectors.

Wind energy requires long boom crawler cranes, large mobile cranes, telehandlers and access equipment for turbine installation. Mining projects need lifting equipment for crushers, mills, processing plant, conveyors and maintenance operations.

Petrochemical work can involve the installation of vessels, columns, pipe racks, modules and rotating equipment. Infrastructure projects require cranes for bridges, precast elements, steelwork and mechanical systems. The range of XCMG models gives Sarens different capacity and mobility options for each type of work.

Tim Biesemans, regional director for Southern Africa at Sarens, said: 

“The addition of this fleet is a significant step forward for heavy lifting in Southern Africa, enabling us to better serve wind energy, petrochemical, mining, and construction projects with greater capability and confidence.”

About Sarens

Sarens is an international crane rental, heavy lifting and engineered transport company headquartered in Wolvertem, Belgium. The family owned business provides equipment, engineering and project execution for complex lifting and transport operations.

Its services cover:

• Crane rental

• Heavy lifting

• Engineered transport

• Modular transport

• Jacking and skidding

• Load out operations

• Offshore lifting

• Wind turbine installation

• Industrial assembly

• Project management

Sarens operates through more than 100 entities in approximately 65 countries and employs around 5,000 people. Its equipment fleet includes crawler cranes, mobile cranes, ring cranes, tower systems, self propelled modular transporters, barges, gantries and specialised rigging equipment. The company supports the energy, petrochemical, mining, nuclear, infrastructure, offshore, wind and civil construction sectors.

Company website: www.sarens.com

Southern Africa newsroom: Sarens Southern Africa

About XCMG

XCMG is a Chinese construction and industrial equipment manufacturer headquartered in Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province.

Its product portfolio covers:

• Mobile cranes

• Crawler cranes

• Tower cranes

• Aerial work platforms

• Telehandlers

• Forklifts

• Earthmoving equipment

• Mining equipment

• Road construction machinery

• Concrete equipment

• Foundation machinery

• Heavy trucks

• Port equipment

XCMG supplies equipment through an international manufacturing, sales, parts and service network. The company develops conventional, electric and hybrid machinery for construction, mining, energy, industrial and infrastructure applications.

Global website: www.xcmgglobal.com

South African website: XCMG South Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the largest crane included in the order?

The largest unit is the XCMG XLC18000M crawler crane, with a maximum rated capacity of 1,300 tonnes.

Where will the XLC18000M work first?

Its first assignment will be at an onshore wind farm near Cape Town, South Africa.

How many wind turbines will be installed?

Sarens said the XLC18000M will work alongside an SCC8000A to erect and install 24 wind turbines.

What is the crane’s maximum load moment?

The XLC18000M provides a maximum load moment of approximately 18,000 tonne metres.

What is its longest boom configuration?

Sarens lists a maximum operating height of approximately 198 metres plus an eight metre jib.

How much can the crane lift in its longest configuration?

Sarens states that it can handle up to 192 tonnes at extreme height in the longest configuration.

What superlift counterweight does it use?

The crane can operate with a 260 tonne superlift counterweight pallet.

How quickly can the crane be assembled?

Sarens states that assembly and dismantling can be completed in approximately two to three days, depending on configuration and site conditions.

What fuel savings are claimed?

XCMG’s Global Power Control Technology is stated to reduce fuel consumption by approximately 10 to 15 percent, depending on the operating cycle.

What other cranes are included?

The package includes XCA260H, XCA160H and XCA100H All Terrain cranes, QY85KH truck cranes and XCR55L5H and XCR90 Rough Terrain cranes.

Does the order include equipment other than cranes?

Yes. Sarens has also ordered forklifts, access platforms and telehandlers.

When was the strategic agreement reinforced?

Sarens and XCMG signed a bulk purchase contract and joint research and development plan in March 2026.