Zoomlion ZCC13000

The Zoomlion ZCC13000 is a landmark machine in the world of heavy-lift crawler cranes. Officially unveiled at the 2021 Changsha International Construction Machinery Exhibition, it was introduced as part of Zoomlion’s vision for intelligent and high-performance equipment. The crane immediately drew industry attention, especially for its wind power lifting capabilities, and the model displayed at the exhibition was already sold to Shandong Fenglian Construction Engineering Co., Ltd., a sign of its commercial and operational readiness.

At the core of the ZCC13000’s appeal is its staggering lifting performance. With a rated lifting moment of 13,000 tonne-meters, it belongs to the ultra-heavy crawler class. The crane supports a wide range of boom and jib configurations to suit different lifting conditions. In its standard configuration, the main boom can extend from 42 to 84 meters. When equipped with a light-duty boom (SL-1 configuration), the main boom can reach 114 meters. For wind turbine applications, the SLHS-1 mode allows the main boom to reach 117 meters, with an additional 9-meter wind power jib. In its most powerful superlift mode, the SLDB-1 configuration extends the boom up to an impressive 174 meters, again with the 9-meter jib. These variations enable the ZCC13000 to perform complex tasks like lifting turbine components to heights exceeding 160 meters, accommodating the needs of 5MW wind turbine systems and below.

The crane’s hoisting capabilities are equally impressive. In wind turbine-specific configurations, it can lift 220 tonnes at a 17-meter working radius and 170 tonnes at a 24-meter radius, making it ideally suited for the assembly of large tower sections and nacelles. The slewing system allows a rotation speed of up to 1.0 rpm, and its heavy-duty winch system can hoist loads at speeds up to 128 meters per minute, depending on rope layer and mode. Despite its size, the ZCC13000 has been engineered for precision, with fine control systems that support micro-movement and exact placement of critical loads.

As a crawler crane, it utilizes a track-type undercarriage, offering high stability and maneuverability on uneven terrain. The crawler dimensions are substantial, with a track gauge of 9,000 mm, contact length of 11,090 mm, and track pad width of 1,500 mm. The crane’s total weight in operational condition can exceed 640 tonnes depending on configuration and ballast. The undercarriage is designed to support the tremendous load and moment forces generated during maximum outreach and lift, especially when performing full-capacity wind turbine installations.

Powering this behemoth is a Cummins QSX15 engine, delivering a rated power of 418 kW at 1800 rpm. This high-output, electronically controlled diesel engine offers the necessary torque—up to 2542 Nm—for smooth operation of hoisting and slewing mechanisms. Emission standards and fuel efficiency are modernized to meet the expectations of current environmental requirements, though specific compliance levels (e.g., Tier IV or China Stage V) may vary depending on the region.

One of the standout features of the ZCC13000 is its modularity. The crane’s boom and jib sections are designed for rapid assembly and disassembly, which is critical for transporting the crane to and from remote job sites. This modularity, combined with a design philosophy focused on ease of assembly, means that despite its size, the ZCC13000 can be mobilized more efficiently than many other cranes in its class. Additionally, the ring-type slewing bearing, a feature normally reserved for ultra-heavy cranes, ensures smoother rotation under load and reduces stress on the upper structure.

Designed with wind power development in mind, the ZCC13000 has found significant use in renewable energy infrastructure. The wind-specific superlift configurations allow it to handle the full tower erection cycle, from base flange to nacelle, for modern turbine designs. It also finds application in large-scale petrochemical installations, where lifting and placing vessels or modules weighing hundreds of tonnes demands absolute reliability and precision.

In conclusion, the Zoomlion ZCC13000 stands as a flagship crawler crane designed for the most demanding lifts in modern construction and energy infrastructure. Its extensive boom reach, lifting strength, and modular design reflect the industry’s need for powerful and adaptable lifting solutions. Zoomlion’s investment in intelligent control, safety systems, and structural innovation with the ZCC13000 cements its place as a serious contender in the ultra-heavy crane market, particularly in wind power and large industrial construction sectors.