I deal with crane specs and urgent parts requests daily. When someone says they’re looking for a “Demag crane for sale,” the first question is almost always: “Which Demag?” The brand has changed hands over the years, and that history matters for parts availability, support, and compatibility. This FAQ is the fast track to getting what you actually need.
1. “Demag crane for sale”—what am I actually buying?
It depends on the model and era. Demag’s product line is broad:
- Overhead cranes (bridge cranes): Used in factories and warehouses. These are often custom-engineered for specific spans and capacities.
- Jib cranes: Smaller, workstation-style cranes. You’ll see these in machine shops or assembly lines.
- Mobile and crawler cranes: The big iron for construction. Note: Demag’s mobile crane business was acquired by Tadano in 2019. So a “Demag mobile crane” from after 2019 is essentially a Tadano unit.
- Components: Hoists, electric motors, gearboxes, and parts. Demag’s hoist line is still popular, and spares are available through existing distributors.
If you’re buying used, always check the serial number and any nameplates. The support network changes depending on whether it’s a “vintage” Demag or a post-acquisition machine. In my role coordinating parts for an industrial service company, I’ve seen buyers assume all “Demag” is the same—and that assumption costs them time and money.
2. What’s the deal with the Demag-Tadano acquisition? Does it matter for parts?
Yes. Here’s the short version:
- 2019: Tadano acquired Terex’s Demag mobile crane division. This means the mobile crane business is now under Tadano’s support network.
- Pre-2019: Demag mobile cranes (and the earlier Terex-Demag era) have parts channels that may now route through Tadano or legacy distributors.
- Overhead cranes and hoists: This part of Demag had a different history, later transferring to Konecranes. Many industrial overhead cranes with Demag hoists are now supported by Konecranes or independent parts suppliers.
- Post-acquisition confusion: I’ve had a client call in a panic because the local “Demag dealer” said they only support Tadano now, not the client’s older overhead crane. That’s not entirely accurate—there are independent suppliers who stock Demag hoist parts and motors. You just have to know where to look.
3. I found a cheap Demag jib crane for sale. Should I buy it?
Possibly, but check these three things first:
- Year of manufacture and serial number. Older units might have proprietary parts that are harder to source.
- Hoist type and capacity. Demag jib cranes often come with a Demag chain hoist or wire rope hoist. If the hoist is missing or damaged, consider the cost of replacing it against buying a complete new unit.
- Foundation / mounting plate. Jib cranes require specific floor or wall mounts. A “steal” on the crane might cost you more in engineering for mounting.
For a buyer needing it in 48 hours (because a production line is down), the calculus is different—but for a planned purchase, slow down. I once saw a company snag a Demag jib crane cheap, thinking it was plug-and-play. The mounting plate didn’t match their floor layout, and the retrofit cost more than buying the correct spec new.
4. Are Demag crane parts still available? What’s the lead time?
Yes, parts are still available for most Demag models, but the supply chain is not as straightforward as it was 10 years ago. Based on my experience placing orders for emergency shutdowns:
- Common items (brakes, contactors, standard hoist parts): Often in stock within the distributor network. Lead time 2–5 business days.
- Older or legacy components (pre-2000s motors, specific control panels): ETA can run 4–8 weeks, sometimes longer if the part is no longer manufactured and needs to be sourced from surplus.
- Hoist spares (chain, hooks, sheaves): Generally available, but confirm load rating and compatibility. Not all Demag hoist parts are cross-compatible.
- Electric motors: If you have a Demag-specific motor (with a flange mounting or shaft keyway that’s non-standard), you might need a custom order or a replacement from a third-party motor shop.
We lost a $15,000 contract once because I assumed “standard motor” meant “24-hour delivery.” (Should mention: I was new on the job then. Now I verify specs before promising timelines.)
5. What’s a realistic price for a used Demag overhead crane?
There’s no single answer because these cranes are engineered-to-order. However, from recent marketplace data and internal pricing (as of early 2025):
- Small overhead (2–5 ton, 30–50 ft span): $10,000–$25,000 used, depending on condition and if the hoist and controls are included.
- Mid-size (10–20 ton, 60–80 ft span): $30,000–$60,000. The runway beams and installation (not included) can add $15,000–$25,000.
- Large / heavy capacity (30–50 ton): $70,000–$150,000+. These are often custom and require more detailed inspection.
Installation, electrical work, and any structural modifications will double those numbers in many cases. I’d argue that on-site inspection is non-negotiable before bidding on a used crane. A $40,000 crane with a cracked gearbox is suddenly a $50,000 crane after the repair bill.
6. “Crane Club NYC,” “Shelby Truck,” and other random keywords—why are they showing up with Demag?
These terms seem unrelated, but they pop up for a few reasons:
- Crane Club NYC is a bar / venue. The name collision means some searches for “crane club” land on industrial crane pages. Not relevant to Demag equipment.
- Shelby Truck (or Shelbyville, TN) has some industrial activity, but it’s not a major crane manufacturing hub. The overlap is purely geographical noise.
- What is a backhoe? This is a common search term for construction equipment newbies. Demag doesn’t make backhoes—that’s not their lane. If you need a backhoe, you’re looking at a different brand entirely. (Note to self: we get at least one call per month from someone mixing up “backhoe” and “crane.” It happens.)
If you landed here because of one of those searches: you’re probably not in the market for a Demag crane, but if you are, the info above still applies.
7. What’s the one thing most buyers overlook when buying a Demag crane?
Documentation. I cannot stress this enough. When we bought a set of used Demag hoists for a project, the previous owner had “lost” the manuals and wiring diagrams. That turned a two-day install into a two-week puzzle. The money we saved on the purchase got spent on a field service electrician to reverse-engineer the controls.
Always ask for:
- Serial number and original bill of materials (BOM) if available.
- Load test certificates (if within 2–3 years).
- Any modification records (aftermarket controls, added limit switches, etc.).
- The name of the original installer if it’s an overhead crane—they may have records of the runway beam design.
In my experience, sellers who keep their paperwork tight are usually honest about the equipment. The ones who “forget” the documents... well, I’ve learned to walk away.
8. Should I buy from an OEM dealer or an independent seller?
It depends on your risk tolerance and support needs:
- OEM dealer (Tadano / Konecranes): You get a warranty, factory-trained service, and assured parts. Expect to pay 25–40% more than the open market. Good for critical-path or high-capacity cranes.
- Independent dealer / broker: Lower price, faster delivery (often the case for used stock), but you must do your own due diligence. I’ve had good experiences with independents who specialize in one or two brands. I’ve also had a deal go sideways because the broker “didn’t know” the crane had a cracked gear casing.
- Direct from end-user (private sale): Lowest price, highest variability in condition and documentation. Only recommended if you have a crane technician on your team or you’re contracting a knowledgeable inspector.
I can only speak to my experience coordinating replacement parts for industrial clients. If you’re buying for a one-off project and don’t have an in-house maintenance team, paying extra for the OEM support is often cheaper in the long run. (Or rather, spending $5,000 extra upfront is cheaper than a $15,000 emergency repair call.)
