r/cranes • • Jan 10 '26

State of the Sub

14 Upvotes

Hello all!

When I was made a moderator a little over a year ago, I had never been a mod before. I wanted to take some time to watch the sub and see what the mod side of things looked like. I then started a new job and didn't have the time or energy to start making changes. I tried to remove spam quickly, and I did better at some points than others. I have time now, and I want to try to set some things in motion to improve the subreddit.

I've seen complaints about mods being inactive and your frustrations with certain types of posts, particularly all the spam and posts soliciting advice for new and aspiring operators. I, too, would like to clean those up by establishing some rules to control certain types of posts and a stickied post or perhaps wiki to address repeated topics.

I would like to know what the community wants. If you have thoughts, please let me know in the comments. I'll give this post some time to collect your thoughts and consider your contributions, and then I will make another post to get your feedback on specific rules and other possible implementations before setting anything in place.

Here are some prompts to guide feedback, but feel free to add anything else you think would be constructive:

  • What types of posts do you value most?
  • How should self-promotion (apps, tools, YouTube channels, services, etc.) be handled?
  • What recurring topics should be handled by a stickied post or wiki?
  • What is the sub currently missing?

Working with cranes is challenging and rewarding. I want this subreddit to be a place we can enjoy sharing good moments, get advice from colleagues, and sometimes rant about the pipefitters (in a good-natured way, of course).

Thanks!


r/cranes • • 1d ago

Just made a real shitty pick

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21 Upvotes

r/cranes • • 1d ago

Job site

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31 Upvotes

Buddy of mine got this picture. Thought it was cool enough to share


r/cranes • • 1d ago

Crane 4 point spreader lifting sign/warning

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0 Upvotes

r/cranes • • 2d ago

Old Manitowoc

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23 Upvotes

Spotted in Prairie Du Chien WI


r/cranes • • 2d ago

Fabricated and erected a 3T OHC in an active, tight-space plant (PT Dua Kelinci). Moving a massive tank without disrupting production.

4 Upvotes

Hey everyone, just wanted to share our latest project. My team at CV. Makmur Mega Sentosa recently finished the fabrication, erection, and installation of a 3-Ton Overhead Crane (6m lift) at a large food processing plant (PT Dua Kelinci) in Indonesia.

The main challenge here wasn't just the weight of the tank/vessel we had to move, but the environment. The plant was fully operational, and the space between the existing structures was very tight. We had to plan the rigging and crane movement meticulously to ensure zero disruption to their production line and maintain strict safety protocols.

The video shows the final heavy lift test. It’s always a great feeling when a complex erection project goes smoothly.

Would love to hear from other riggers or plant engineers here—what’s the tightest or most complex space you’ve had to erect a crane in?


r/cranes • • 2d ago

Floating Crane Fail

4 Upvotes

r/cranes • • 3d ago

Bay Crane Experience

5 Upvotes

Has anyone here worked for a Bay Crane? Does it feel like a huge company? Are their branches clumsy or nimble when it comes to daily operations? Do they come in making big swings like Maxim and dragging up quickly or do they have staying power? Maxim was in my area for a few short years then scattered my crane family to the four winds.


r/cranes • • 3d ago

My Tower Crane

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28 Upvotes

Simma GT 187


r/cranes • • 3d ago

Parked in front of my building

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45 Upvotes

r/cranes • • 3d ago

Flat stick

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19 Upvotes

r/cranes • • 4d ago

Finally decided to get my tower license and today is my first day on my own!

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128 Upvotes

r/cranes • • 3d ago

Crane view

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7 Upvotes

r/cranes • • 4d ago

Different angle of the tipped over crawler

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73 Upvotes

Doesn't look too healthy


r/cranes • • 4d ago

This doesn't seem quite right

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60 Upvotes

As a fellow crane operator, i can confirm that this crawlercrane has a little issue.


r/cranes • • 4d ago

Looking for OEM 3D models (.sat) of Liebherr LTM 1450 and LTM 1150

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3 Upvotes

Hey all, does anyone have the 3D models for the Liebherr LTM 1450 and LTM 1150?

I'm after the ones that come with the crane from the OEM, normally supplied in .sat format. Unmodified is preferred.

I'd also be keen on OEM models of any other cranes if you've got them. I enjoy going through them and getting familiar with different machines.

If you have any, send me a DM. It'd be very much appreciated


r/cranes • • 4d ago

TELEHANDLER OPERATOR TOMORROW IN LA

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0 Upvotes

r/cranes • • 4d ago

Union vs. Nonunion Crane Operators — How Has Your Pay Progressed Over the Years?

4 Upvotes

I’m looking to get into crane operating and would like to hear from both union and nonunion operators about their actual pay progression throughout their careers.
I’m especially interested in how wages increase during the first 1–5 years, but I’d also like to hear from operators with 10+ years of experience.
A few questions:
What state do you work in, and are you union or nonunion? If union, which IUOE local?
What was your starting hourly pay, and what did you earn in years 1, 2, 3, and 5?
What’s your current hourly rate, how many years of experience do you have, and what type of crane do you operate?
How many hours do you typically work per week, and what’s your approximate annual gross income with overtime?
For those who’ve worked both union and nonunion, which offered better pay progression, benefits, job stability, and overall earning potential?

I’m trying to understand how quickly a new operator can realistically progress financially and whether joining a union makes a significant difference over time. I’d appreciate actual numbers and personal experiences rather than general salary estimates.


r/cranes • • 5d ago

The New 10 axle LTM and LR

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7 Upvotes

r/cranes • • 6d ago

Pretty smooth “operator” there!

76 Upvotes

r/cranes • • 6d ago

Does this satisfy the CSA?

1 Upvotes

I have a question regarding Overhead cranes.
The facility has two large capacity cranes running in parallel on the same rail. one crane is undergoing an upgrade and will be left at the far end of the runway and the other crane will be in use while this is happening. The solution is to provide a 20ft air gap as a means of de energizing the crane being upgraded from live buss bar. Under the CSA B167-16 4.3.4 " where other cranes are in operation on the same runway, rail stops or other means shall be provided (electrical, mechanical, or structural) to prevent interference with the crane being maintained and to ensure electrical isolation during maintenance" My question is does an air gap in the buss bar satisfy that statement? Or should a mechanical temporary end stop be installed?


r/cranes • • 7d ago

Just popped up next to my bit

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70 Upvotes

They were putting in new sections of the road bridge over train line.


r/cranes • • 6d ago

You in here? (Nashville, TN) I-24

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2 Upvotes

You in here? (Nashville, TN) next to I-24, not too far from the Nissan Stadium.


r/cranes • • 7d ago

Layoffs

6 Upvotes

How common is it for crane operators? I've heard stories that crane operators get layoffs more often than any other trade due to the scope of work. How long have any of y'all been out of work from the crane industry. Be it union or non-union; taxi or pipeline.


r/cranes • • 7d ago

Dad moving crane on the North Slope Alaska

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205 Upvotes