Zoomlion ZAT600E leads new UK dealer agreement with Foster Cranes
30-Second Takeaway
Foster Cranes has been appointed exclusive UK dealer for Zoomlion mobile cranes, with a 60 tonne Zoomlion ZAT600E set to become its first arrival. The three axle All Terrain crane combines a 48 metre main boom with a swingaway extension providing a maximum tip height of just under 67 metres. Managing director Andrew Foster says competitive pricing and a five-year guaranteed resale value will be central to the range’s appeal to UK buyers. The appointment builds on Foster’s established used crane business and specialist lifting equipment distribution activities.
Zoomlion ZAT600E
Foster Cranes is preparing to introduce Zoomlion’s mobile crane range to the UK market following its appointment as the manufacturer’s exclusive dealer.
The Kidderminster-based company has ordered its first machine, a 60 tonne ZAT600E, with delivery expected in the coming weeks. The agreement gives Zoomlion a new UK sales channel as it continues to develop its position in the European mobile crane market.
For Foster, the appointment adds conventional mobile cranes to a business already involved in used crane sales, Jekko specialist lifting equipment and Emovr tracked carriers.
A 60 tonne crane with a 48 metre main boom
The ZAT600E is a three axle All Terrain crane with a six section, 48 metre telescopic main boom. A 9.5 to 16 metre bi-fold swingaway extension increases its maximum tip height to just under 67 metres. Maximum counterweight is 13 tonnes. The crane measures 2.55 metres wide, 11.72 metres long and 3.83 metres high in its road configuration. Power comes from a Mercedes Euro 6 diesel engine coupled to a six-speed Allison automatic transmission. Six-wheel drive and steering provide mobility on site, with Zoomlion’s published specifications listing six steering modes and a maximum travel speed of 80 kilometres per hour. The manufacturer also lists a tilting operator’s cab.
The combination of a three axle carrier and a 48 metre main boom places the ZAT600E in a class commonly used for general construction, maintenance and industrial lifting.
Pricing and resale value central to UK launch
Andrew Foster identifies purchase cost as an important consideration for crane rental companies facing pressure on hire rates. He also says a guaranteed resale value after five years is intended to give buyers greater confidence when investing in the brand.
Foster Cranes managing director Andrew Foster said:
“I was impressed with how advanced the Zoomlion manufacturing process is, using state of the art robotic technology. The cranes are as well built as anything produced in Europe and are really competitively priced. With the challenges around hire rates in the UK market, many of our customers tell us that making a new mobile crane financially viable is a real challenge in the current climate. The Zoomlion range is significantly cheaper and just as capable as any European machine. Zoomlion Cranes UK are so confident in the quality of their machines that they are guaranteeing the resale value after five years. That takes away one of the biggest risks of trying a new brand. We are excited to introduce the range to the UK market and look forward to showing customers the first machine when it arrives.”
Building on two decades in Europe
The Foster agreement follows a series of earlier efforts to establish Zoomlion mobile cranes in Europe. The manufacturer supplied its first batch of truck-mounted cranes to Dutch company van Adrighem in 2006. Its first UK units followed in 2007, when Crowlands was appointed as dealer.
Zoomlion expanded its Rough Terrain crane distribution in 2010 through an agreement with Houston-based Global Crane Sales. European orders subsequently included 20 Rough Terrain cranes for Sarens in 2012.
Its All Terrain range has developed more gradually, with newer models displayed at recent Bauma exhibitions. The ZAT600E’s forthcoming arrival gives Foster a machine to present to prospective UK customers as the new dealership gets underway.
About Foster Cranes
Foster Cranes was founded in 2001 by Andrew Foster and is based in the Kidderminster area of Worcestershire. The business supplies used mobile cranes, spider cranes and specialist lifting equipment, alongside crane servicing, repairs, inspections and refurbishment.
The company moved into a purpose-built facility in 2010, adding workshop facilities and inspection pits for mechanical and structural examinations. In 2023, it introduced a mobile crane inspection programme incorporating detailed brake checks and repairs. These activities support the preparation of used machines before sale.
Foster became Jekko’s UK dealer in 2024, with Jekko UK beginning to trade as a separate business in 2025. Its distribution portfolio also includes Emovr tracked carriers. Previous equipment relationships have included JMG, Hoeflon and Sany telescopic crawler cranes. The Zoomlion appointment extends its new crane offering into the mobile crane market.
Website: www.fostercranes.co.uk
About Zoomlion
Founded in 1992, Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology manufactures construction, mining and agricultural equipment. Its lifting portfolio includes mobile cranes, crawler cranes, tower cranes and construction hoists, while its wider product range covers aerial work platforms, concrete machinery, earthmoving equipment and foundation machinery.
The company combines equipment manufacturing with research and development across mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems, digital technology and new energy applications. Its international manufacturing footprint includes 11 overseas research, development and manufacturing bases.
Zoomlion reports that its products and services reach more than 170 countries and regions, supported by over 530 sales and service outlets and more than 300 spare parts centres and warehouses. Its European mobile crane activities include truck-mounted, Rough Terrain and All Terrain models, with Foster Cranes now appointed exclusive UK dealer for the mobile crane range.
Website: www.zoomlion.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the exclusive UK dealer for Zoomlion mobile cranes?
Foster Cranes has been appointed exclusive UK dealer for Zoomlion mobile cranes.
What is the lifting capacity of the Zoomlion ZAT600E?
The ZAT600E has a maximum rated lifting capacity of 60 tonnes. Available capacity varies with radius, boom configuration and counterweight.
How long is the ZAT600E’s boom?
Its six section main boom extends to 48 metres. A 9.5 to 16 metre bi-fold swingaway extension provides a maximum tip height of just under 67 metres.
What powers the Zoomlion ZAT600E?
The crane uses a Mercedes Euro 6 diesel engine with a six-speed Allison automatic transmission, six-wheel drive and six-wheel steering.
When will Foster Cranes receive its first Zoomlion crane?
The first ZAT600E is expected to arrive in the weeks following the dealership announcement in October 2026.
