Learn key lead times for buying overhead, gantry, jib cranes and electric hoists from China, plus shipping and delivery tips to keep your project on schedule.
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When buying ovehread cranes from China, one of the first questions on every buyer's mind is usually, "How long will it take to get my crane?" Lead time—the total time from order confirmation to delivery—is more than just a number. It directly affects your project schedule, installation planning, and operational readiness. Missed deadlines can create ripple effects, delaying production lines or construction projects, and sometimes even increasing costs.
China is a leading manufacturer for industrial lifting equipment, offering a wide range of products to suit different industries. The main types of cranes you'll encounter include:
Each type has its own production process, technical complexity, and shipping considerations. Understanding these factors ahead of time helps you plan installation schedules, align budgets, and avoid the stress of last-minute delays.
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Lead time in crane procurement refers to the period from placing an order with a manufacturer to receiving the equipment ready for use. It includes design finalization, material sourcing, production, quality testing, and shipping preparation.
China manufacturers are highly efficient, but production time varies depending on the crane type and level of customization:
Standard Models
Customized Models
When buying an overhead bridge crane in China, understanding the production cycle is essential for planning. Typical lead times range from 20 to 60 days, but the exact timeline depends on several key factors.
double girder overhead crane for sale in China
Underhung bridge crane for sale in China
1. Technical Complexity & Specifications
2. Capacity & Span
3. Manufacturer Capacity & Scheduling
4. Procurement Method
5. Supply Chain & Raw Materials
6. Quality Inspection & Testing
| Type | Typical Capacity | Standard Cycle | Customized Cycle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single girder | 1–20 tons | 15–30 days | 30–50 days |
| Double girder | 5–500 tons | 30–45 days | 45–70 days |
| Metallurgical / Special cranes | ≥50 tons | 50–80 days | 80–120 days |
Notes:
Buying a gantry crane in China? Lead times can vary widely depending on the type, size, and level of customization. Typical production cycles range from 30 days for small standard cranes to over a year for large, specialized projects. Understanding what affects these timelines helps buyers plan budgets and schedules effectively.
1. Type & Structural Complexity
2. Span & Leg Design
3. Duty Level & Environment
4. Travel Mechanism & Rails
5. Manufacturer Selection
| Type | Typical Use | Standard Cycle | Custom/Large Cycle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small/medium frame/truss | Warehouses, small yards | 30–50 days | 50–80 days |
| Large box-type double girder | Steel mills, logistics parks | 45–70 days | 70–120 days |
| Rail-mounted container | Railway/river terminals | 5–9 months | 9–14 months |
| Rubber-tyre container | Container yards, ports | 6–12 months | 12+ months |
| Special-purpose | Shipbuilding, hydro | 8+ months | Project-dependent |
Notes:
When it comes to jib or slewing cranes, China manufacturers offer relatively fast production cycles, but lead times still depend heavily on customization, lifting capacity, and the crane type. Typical cycles range from 7 days for standard models to up to 60 days for heavy-duty or complex cranes.
Practical Reference Table for Electric Jib Cranes,
Each type can be produced as standard stock models or customized solutions, and that choice significantly affects delivery time.
| Crane Type | Typical Use | Standard Production Cycle | Customized / Heavy-Duty Cycle | Notes / Critical Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floor-Mounted Jib Crane | Workshops, factories, assembly lines | 7–15 days | 15–30 days | Standard capacities 125 kg–5 t, arm 3–6 m; foundation required; fast assembly if site ready |
| Wall-Mounted Jib Crane | Small workstations, limited floor space | 7–15 days | 15–30 days | Standard lifting 125 kg–3 t; mounting wall must be strong; corrosion-proof or explosion-proof options increase time |
| Wall-Traveling Jib Crane | Multiple workstations along a wall | 10–20 days | 20–40 days | Moves on wall-mounted rail; design complexity affects lead time; integration with hoist control system may extend production |
| Portable / Mobile Jib Crane | Flexible workshops, temporary lifting | 5–10 days | 10–15 days | Lightweight, mobile base; standard capacities 125 kg–2 t; quick assembly; custom hoist or longer arm may increase time |
| Hoist Availability | All types | Domestic: fast | Imported: 4–8 weeks | Confirm hoist type and brand in advance for scheduling |
| Installation Readiness | All types | Fast if site prepared | Delays if prep incomplete | Foundation, wall strength, and rail installation readiness are key for quick deployment |
Practical Notes for Buyers:
Several elements can influence how quickly a jib crane can be delivered and installed:
To keep lead times short and avoid delays:
Standard Models (7–15 days)
Non-standard / Customized Models (15–30 days)
Heavy-Duty / Complex Jib Cranes (30–60 days)
Electric hoists are generally quicker to produce than full cranes, but lead times can vary widely depending on type, specification, and origin. Understanding these timelines helps you plan installation and project schedules more accurately.
Key Considerations:
| Type & Grade | Example Brands | Standard Cycle | Custom / Special Cycle | Main Delay Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic standard wire rope | Yuantai Crane, Dongqi | 7–15 days | 15–30 days | Peak season, special motors/wires |
| Domestic high-end / metallurgical | Yuantai Crane, Dongqi | 15–30 days | 30–60 days | Special gear, imported parts |
| Domestic chain hoist | Yuantai Crane, Dongqi | 5–10 days | 10–20 days | Special chains, long lift |
| Foreign brands, local assembly | Demag, Kone | 4–8 weeks | 8–16 weeks | Imported core parts, order queue |
| Fully imported | ABUS, STAHL, Yale | 8–16 weeks+ | 16+ weeks | Production schedule, logistics, customs |
Practical Tips for Buyers:
Several practical factors influence how long it takes to get your crane or hoist from order to delivery. Understanding these can help buyers plan better and avoid costly delays.
1. Design Complexity & Customization
2. Component Availability & Supplier Reliability
3. Manufacturing Capacity & Production Schedules
4. Quality Inspection, Testing & Certification
Practical Tip for Buyers:
Estimated port-to-port transit times
| Region | Example Ports | Direct / Fast | Common Transshipment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East & SE Asia | Busan, Tokyo, Singapore, Klang | 3–7 days | Similar | Short distance, frequent sailings |
| Oceania | Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland | 15–22 days | 18–25 days | Peak season may delay |
| Middle East | Dubai, Dammam, Colombo | 18–25 days | 20–28 days | Suez Canal route |
| South Asia | Mumbai, Karachi | 20–28 days | 22–30 days | Limited direct vessels |
| Mediterranean | Barcelona, Genoa, Piraeus | 28–35 days | 30–40 days | Suez Canal or NW Europe transshipment |
| NW Europe | Rotterdam, Hamburg | 32–40 days | 35–45 days | Weather may affect winter shipments |
| North America (West) | LA, Long Beach, Vancouver | 14–18 days | 16–22 days | Congestion may add delays |
| North America (East) | NY, Savannah, Houston | 25–35 days | 28–40 days | Via Panama Canal or rail |
| South America (W) | Valparaiso, Callao | 30–38 days | 35–45 days | Few direct routes |
| South America (E) | Santos, Buenos Aires | 40–50 days | 45–55+ days | Usually via Europe or Africa |
| Africa (W) | Durban, Lagos, Mombasa | 25–45 days | 30–50 days | Europe/Middle East transshipment common |
Notes:
Recommendation:
Shipping and delivery are just as important as production when it comes to crane procurement. Understanding the process helps avoid surprises and keeps projects on schedule.
Sea Freight from China (Qingdao Port), Estimated port-to-port transit times,
| Region | Example Ports | Direct / Fast | Common Transshipment | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East & SE Asia | Busan, Tokyo, Singapore, Klang | 3–7 days | Similar | Short distance, frequent sailings |
| Oceania | Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland | 15–22 days | 18–25 days | Peak season may delay |
| Middle East | Dubai, Dammam, Colombo | 18–25 days | 20–28 days | Suez Canal route |
| South Asia | Mumbai, Karachi | 20–28 days | 22–30 days | Limited direct vessels |
| Mediterranean | Barcelona, Genoa, Piraeus | 28–35 days | 30–40 days | Suez Canal or NW Europe transshipment |
| NW Europe | Rotterdam, Hamburg | 32–40 days | 35–45 days | Weather may affect winter shipments |
| North America (West) | LA, Long Beach, Vancouver | 14–18 days | 16–22 days | Congestion may add delays |
| North America (East) | NY, Savannah, Houston | 25–35 days | 28–40 days | Via Panama Canal or rail |
| South America (W) | Valparaiso, Callao | 30–38 days | 35–45 days | Few direct routes |
| South America (E) | Santos, Buenos Aires | 40–50 days | 45–55+ days | Usually via Europe or Africa |
| Africa (W) | Durban, Lagos, Mombasa | 25–45 days | 30–50 days | Europe/Middle East transshipment common |
Notes:
Recommendation:
Clear communication with suppliers ensures smoother coordination during shipping and unloading stages.
Local handling conditions such as crane availability, site accessibility, or port congestion can influence the final delivery timeline.
Aligning logistics schedules with installation teams ensures that cranes can be commissioned without unnecessary delays.
Successfully buying cranes from China isn't just about picking the right model—it's about timing. Aligning lead times with your project schedule ensures smooth delivery and installation.
Ensuring procurement and construction timelines match avoids costly idle time or rushed installation.
Providing complete and accurate technical data shortens approval cycles and helps prevent redesign delays.
Close coordination ensures progress visibility throughout production, packaging, and dispatch.
Adding reasonable buffers to your schedule minimizes the impact of unforeseen transport or documentation delays.
When buying cranes from China, timing is just as important as price. Lead times vary widely depending on crane type, customization, and shipping methods. Understanding these timelines helps you plan projects more effectively and avoid costly delays.
Overall Summary of Lead Times:
Key Takeaways for Buyers:
By factoring in production cycles, shipping, and installation time, buyers can better align procurement with project schedules, ensuring smoother execution and fewer surprises. Planning ahead isn't just smart—it's necessary.
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