Amsterdam, January 2025 – Koninklijke Saan, a leading company in crane rental and construction logistics, is taking a major step toward making its fleet more sustainable. The company has acquired three eLift tower cranes from Spierings Mobile Cranes: two SK1265-AT6 eLift cranes and one SK597-AT4 eLift crane. With this investment, Saan reinforces its commitment to a greener future and reducing the environmental impact of its operations.
Spierings’ eLift cranes are renowned for their innovative technology, enabling fully electric lifting without emissions. The SK1265-AT6 eLift, also known as “The Mighty Tiny,” is the most powerful mobile tower crane in the world, featuring six axles and exceptional reach and capacity. The SK597-AT4 eLift offers the same emission-free capabilities in a more compact four-axle design, making it ideal for urban and tight workspaces.
A Sustainable Choice
This fleet expansion aligns seamlessly with Saan’s sustainability ambitions. “For years, we have been committed to reducing our CO2 emissions, and we are proud to expand our green crane fleet once again with this investment. This allows us to help even more clients carry out their work in a cleaner and quieter manner,” says Rutger Alferink, Managing Director at Koninklijke Saan. “The eLift cranes from Spierings make it possible to operate fully electrically on-site. This greatly helps our clients reduce CO2 and nitrogen emissions, as well as minimize disturbances for the surrounding environment.”
Long-Standing Collaboration Between Saan and Spierings
Koninklijke Saan has a long history with Spierings Mobile Cranes. In the spring of 2000, Saan received its first-ever Spierings crane. Today, the company boasts an extensive fleet of tower cranes, with Spierings cranes playing a significant role in meeting the diverse needs of its customers.
The choice for Spierings Mobile Cranes is a conscious one, as both companies share a passion for innovation and sustainability. Herald Wattenberg, Commercial Director at Spierings, adds: “It is great to see that Saan not only embraces our technology but also sees opportunities to collaborate in building an emission-free and future-oriented industry.”
About Koninklijke Saan
Koninklijke Saan is a family-owned company with over 125 years of experience in crane rental, construction logistics, and industrial relocations. With all these areas of expertise under one roof, Saan provides its clients with the optimal solution for every logistical challenge. The company is known for its craftsmanship, reliability, and strong focus on safety and sustainability.
Oss, 12 December 2024
Koos Spierings, CEO of Spierings Mobile Cranes, reflects on a successful year in which his company has made significant strides towards a more sustainable future. Spierings’ hybrid cranes, equipped with batteries and designed for electric operation, have gained popularity across Europe. However, despite technological advancements, the fundamental question surrounding electric cranes remains: is the construction industry ready to fully embrace emission-free construction?
Limited Progress in the Construction Sector: CO₂ Reduction Lags BehindThe construction sector has made little progress in CO₂ reduction since 1990. Electrification of construction equipment is essential to drive change. According to recent research by ING into the carbon footprint of construction companies, only one-third of construction and installation firms have set concrete sustainability goals aligned with the climate targets for 2030. Further reduction is crucial. Spierings Mobile Cranes is leading the way as a pioneer, but it is vital for other suppliers to follow this trend.
A Bold Step: Focus on Hybrid and Electric CranesIn 2023, Spierings made the bold decision to produce only hybrid cranes. These innovative eLift cranes can operate electrically throughout the day with just a 16-ampere construction power connection. “If a circular saw works on a construction site, so can our cranes,” says Koos Spierings. The results speak for themselves: in 2024, Spierings’ eLift cranes collectively saved over 5000 tons of CO₂.
The Reality: Electrification of Construction Sites Falls BehindDespite technological advancements, implementation is lagging. Spierings has observed a slow uptake in demand for electric cranes. “In the Netherlands, over 130 of our electric cranes are ready to work emission-free every day. Yet, less than 10% of these cranes are rented out for electric operation,” notes Koos Spierings. The entire construction chain seems unprepared to adopt the available solutions. “Media often claim that large cranes cannot operate electrically, which is unfortunate because our cranes can. While demand for electric operation remains low, many of our electric cranes are fortunately being utilized with a minimal 16-ampere construction power connection.”
Herald Wattenberg, Commercial Director at Spierings, echoes these concerns. “Our customers, mostly crane rental companies, report that construction projects requiring full electric operation are still rare. This presents a significant challenge for the industry. However, we are ready to take the next step with our clients. In 2025, we aim to truly accelerate electric adoption – figuratively speaking, of course,” he says with a smile.
The Future: Emission-Free Construction as the New StandardWith a market share exceeding 30% in the mobile crane market, Spierings is a well-established name in the Netherlands. Its cranes are manufactured entirely in the Netherlands, further enhancing its sustainable profile. And how much more sustainable can it get? Cranes that enable emission-free construction and are entirely Dutch-made.
“We believe that emission-free construction is not only possible but necessary,” states Koos Spierings. “The technology is here. Now we need to change the mindset together.” The company is targeting 2025 as the year when emission-free construction becomes the norm. Spierings Mobile Cranes is determined to bring this vision to life in collaboration with the sector.
“Kuiphuis Kraanverhuur takes major step in sustainability with third emission-free crawler crane “
Last week, Kuiphuis Kraanverhuur from Oldenzaal received its third eLift crawler crane, bringing the total number of eLift models in their fleet to nine. This latest addition is the SK2400-R eLift, known as one of the most powerful mobile tower cranes in the world. In addition, this crane can operate completely emission-free.
The first eLift crawler crane was delivered in June this year, followed by a second model in September. The first two crawler cranes are now operational on various construction projects, including a major infrastructure project in Amstelveen and an apartment complex development in Gouda.
Kuiphuis sees a growing demand for sustainable construction equipment. Thanks to the completely emission-free operation of the SK2400-R eLift, this crane is a valuable addition to the company’s sustainable fleet.
Bob Bruijsten, owner of Kuiphuis, shared his experiences with the first eLift crawler cranes and their potential future applications: “After being convinced by the mobile crawler crane concept from Spierings, we have noticed that there are many construction sites where the eLift concept truly shines. The battery in the crawler crane solves local grid congestion for our clients, while still allowing the crane to operate at full capacity.
The eLift cranes are ideal for projects in residential construction, utility building, infrastructure, and (concrete or steel) hall construction. For these cranes, no construction site poses a challenge.
This third crane of the SK2400-R model, with a 50-meter boom, is extremely suitable for all possible construction sites in the Netherlands and even beyond. After delivery, the crane will go directly to the site to perform its tasks entirely electrically.”
Mathieu Braamhaar, Business Development Engineer at Spierings, thanked Kuiphuis for their trust. “It’s wonderful to see that our Dutch-made product is making a valuable contribution to our clients’ projects, both in the Netherlands and abroad.”
𝐍𝐄𝐖! 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧 𝐗-𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝟐. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐲𝐫𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬.In cooperation with Michelin, we present the new 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧 𝐗-𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝟐 tyre in the 22.5-inch rim size: the ideal tyre for Spierings mobile tower cranes. 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲, 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲. ✅
For more than 130 years, Michelin has been at the forefront of advances in mobility, driven by materials science and technological advancements. This has made them the market leader in the tyre industry.
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲In recent years, Spierings and Michelin have joined forces, combining their knowledge and skills. The goal: to develop the ideal tyre that increases the productivity of the Spierings SK models by minimising machine downtime due to sudden pressure loss or premature tyre wear. 🤝
𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬Thanks to this collaboration, Michelin is launching the first 445/75 R22.5-inch tyre designed specifically for the Spierings mobile tower crane: the Michelin X-Crane 2. This tyre features a new tread pattern inspired by Michelin’s truck tyre design. There are two major advantages to this innovative approach, 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 and 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞. 💪
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲The Michelin X-Crane 2 makes efficient transport between construction sites possible, thanks to a speed rating that allows it to travel at theoretically 100 km/h on the road, with an optimal load capacity of 6,500 kg. It is also designed for use in difficult driving conditions, such as on snow and rough terrain. 🛣️❄️
𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞The Michelin X-Crane 2 has an innovative carcass design that improves the tyre’s thermal performance. This reduces heat build-up during use and extends tyre life. It also increases overall safety. With this combination of innovations, Michelin and Spierings are improving mobility for operators of mobile tower cranes without compromising safety, regardless of the conditions.🛡️
Oss, September 2023 – Bob Bruijsten, director and owner of family-owned Kuiphuis from Oldenzaal is investing in two new SK2400-R eLift crawler cranes from Spierings. The first new crane of this model will be delivered to Kuiphuis in the first half of 2024. With this, Kuiphuis is once again stepping up the sustainability of there crane fleet.
Within Kuiphuis, five eLift cranes have already been added to the fleet in recent years to meet the demand for electric construction equipment. Bob Bruijsten: “We may be moving faster than construction companies at the moment, we find that construction companies are still getting used to the fact that with electric cranes of this size we can already run on construction with a 16 amp connection.”
In addition, Bob Bruijsten sees it as everyone’s responsibility to make the maximum effort to save emissions.” If we already look at how many hours we run emission-free every week, that just makes me proud. In addition, both new machines are much needed, we have requests from all over the country for the eLift system, specifically for the SK2400-R capabilities.”
Kuiphuis has a fleet of more than 40 Spierings cranes including several crawler cranes. Kuiphuis notices that the demand for these types of cranes is increasing. The loads are getting heavier and more and more elements are supplied prefabricated, which as a crane rental company you have to respond to.
Mathieu Braamhaar, Sales Engineer at Spierings Mobile Cranes BV; “Kuiphuis is a wonderful family business which invests in the future, the fact that they are now the first to operate with our new SK2400-R eLift is a great milestone. The SK2400-R eLift is a further development of the SK2400-R which we have been producing for some time. However, the new crane has multiple configurations for lifting. With one transport you already have a lifting capacity of 2800 kg at 42 meters. This has made the crane multifunctional.”
About SK2400-R eLiftThe SK2400-R eLift is the strongest mobile tower crane ever built. This powerful crane is built on a crawler undercarriage, so it can be quickly erected and moved around the construction site.The crane has a jib length of 42 meters or 50 meters, lifting up to 5.5 tons or 2.5 tons at the tip. In addition, the crane hoists a maximum of 18 tons at 14.6 meters radius.
About Spierings Mobile CranesSpierings Mobile Cranes is a market leader in the field of mobile tower cranes. The cranes of the Oss-based company are used in more than 30 countries, mainly by crane rental and construction companies. The cranes are fully developed and produced in the Netherlands. Spierings Mobile Cranes will realize a turnover of approximately 100 million euros in 2022.
About KuiphuisKuiphuis Kraanverhuur is a family business that has existed for more than 115 years, with more than 100 employees and 1700 regular customers. The crane rental business started in Oldenzaal, but now has branches throughout the eastern, northern and central Netherlands. For the German market, the company has a branch across the border in Bad Bentheim. The mobile telescopic cranes range from 40 tons to 250 tons and the mobile tower cranes from 33 meters to 60 meters. In addition, the company operates several crawler tower cranes (from 25 meters to 50 meters).
Oss, 02. March 2023
Osse crane manufacturer opts for all-electric hoisting
Spierings Mobile Cranes discontinues conventional diesel cranes
Spierings Mobile Cranes has decided to stop building and selling conventional diesel cranes. From now on, the Osse crane manufacturer will only produce sustainable hybrid models. This makes Spierings the first company in the world to exclusively build cranes that hoist entirely electrically. In addition, the latest model the SK487-AT3 City Boy can also run fully electric, this allows a complete reduction of local emissions. This electric crane enables emission-free work in any city.
The reason for the choice is the strong growth in hybrid cranes and the drive to do the most for people, nature and the environment. ‘The electrification of the construction site can only succeed if the manufacturer leads the way,’ says CEO Koos Spierings. ‘Our domestic customers already realise that this is the future. For our foreign customers, it will take some adjustment, but we are sure they will soon see the benefits of this decision as well. Eventually, conventional diesel cranes will die out.’
Lithium-ion batteries
Spierings Mobile Cranes’ hybrid tower cranes are equipped with lithium-ion batteries. This makes them suitable for emission-free operation at any construction site. For emergencies, the crane is equipped with a small 3-cylinder Stage V diesel engine. To date, Spierings Mobile Cranes has already delivered more than 150 electric cranes, better known as eLift.
Innovation and sustainability
The benefits of emission-free operation are obvious, Spierings states. ‘No CO2 emissions, no noise pollution, but undiminished power. And if the operator nevertheless needs to make use of the small diesel engine? Then fuel consumption is still very low. This demonstrates that good entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.’
Spierings Mobile Cranes continues to develop the hybrid technology. Thus, all current cranes can operate emission-free, powered by a 16 A construction site power connection. Spierings is also the only manufacturer to supply cranes with a 33 kWh lithium-ion battery pack straight from the factory.
About Spierings Mobile Cranes
Spierings Mobile Cranes is the market leader in mobile tower cranes. The Osse-based company’s cranes are used in more than 30 countries, mainly by crane rental and construction companies. The cranes are developed and manufactured entirely in the Netherlands. Spierings Mobile Cranes will achieve a turnover of around 100 million euros in 2022.
Do you have questions in connection with this press release? If so, please contact Imke Michiels (Manager Office & Sales Support at Spierings Mobile Cranes): +31 412 69 77 77 / +31 6 15 08 69 12.