Tadano Plans to Launch First Electric Rough-Terrain Crane in 2023

April 13, 2022 - As a critical next step in achieving the Tadano Group’s long-term environmental targets, Tadano Ltd. is on its way to commercializing the world’s first electric rough-terrain crane. Tadano plans to launch the new model next year.

Currently in development, the crane will drive to the jobsite and complete all lifting operations using battery/electric power rather than diesel, delivering zero-emission operation.

Beyond environmentally friendly operation, the crane’s electric motor promises to emit lower noise, a significant advantage in urban areas, night work, and indoor operation.

Tadano is now working with a variety of industry suppliers and partners to and targets commercialization of the new electric rough terrain crane in late 2023.

Operating more sustainably

The new RT is the most recent step toward the Tadano Group’s long-term environmental targets it announced in April 2021.

The targets include 25% reduction in CO2 emissions from business activities and 35% reduction in CO2 emissions from product use by 2030. Even more importantly, achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Working toward those targets, the company has gathered all of its sustainable solutions under the name Tadano Green Solutions (TGS).

Combined with lifting technology, the TGS innovations will contribute not only to sustainability but also to operating safety, quality, and efficiency.

Most cranes on the market today run on diesel fuel. Many models use the diesel engine and drivetrain both to propel the crane to the job site and power the hydraulics used to lift loads during crane operation.

Under the banner of TGS, electrification of the rough-terrain crane product line is a key effort for lowering product emissions.

Other mainstay TGS initiatives include the Tadano E-Pack and the ability of most cranes manufactured by Tadano in Europe to be operated — without modification — on reduced-emission fuels like hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

Tadano’s innovative E-Pack solution is currently available in Europe, and soon it will be available in Japan. It allows crane operation without starting the engine. This electrohydraulic system quickly connects to the crane to deliver the ultimate in zero-emission, low-noise operation. E-Pack’s intelligent electric motor control system ensures efficient power use at a lower operating cost than diesel power.

“In the spirit of greater harmony, Tadano contributes to a better global environment as a part of the surrounding society. We have set aggressive goals for lowering both operational and product emissions, and we will partner with industry leading companies to attain those goals,” says Toshiaki Ujiie, President, CEO and Representative Director of Tadano Ltd. “In conjunction with previous product innovations to lower CO2 emissions, we are excited to introduce the first battery/electric rough terrain crane, which will be a key driver for our goal of 35 percent reduction in product CO2 emissions by 2030.”