Picking a 100,000 lb Military Tank with a 165-Ton Crane

Some lifts push the limits of what equipment and operators can handle.

Patriot Lifting was recently on site to perform an extreme heavy lift, using our 165-ton mobile crane to pick and move a 100,000-pound military tank. With massive weight, unique geometry, and zero room for error, this was a lift that required detailed planning and complete control from start to finish.

Projects like this showcase what true heavy lifting looks like.

The Challenge: Massive Weight and Unconventional Load

Military tanks aren’t designed to be lifted—they’re designed to operate on the ground. That makes handling them especially challenging.

This lift required careful consideration of:

• 100,000 lbs of concentrated weight

• Wide, uneven load distribution from tracks and body

• Limited and non-standard lift points

• Maintaining level balance throughout the lift

With a load this heavy, every decision matters before the crane even begins to lift.

The Equipment: 165 Tons of Capability

Our 165-ton mobile crane was the right tool for the job, providing the capacity and stability required to safely perform the lift.

With proper configuration, the crane allowed for:

• Controlled lifting of extreme weight

• Stable load handling

• Precise positioning

• Safe operation throughout the lift sequence

Having the right equipment is critical but knowing how to use it is what makes the difference.

The Plan: Precision Before Power

Before the lift began, Patriot Lifting developed a detailed plan to ensure everything would go smoothly.

This included:

• Verifying the tank’s weight and center of gravity

• Selecting proper rigging to distribute the load evenly

• Positioning the crane for optimal lift radius and stability

• Coordinating with the crew for alignment and communication

At this level, lifting isn’t about speed it’s about control.

The Lift: Slow, Steady, and Controlled

As the crane took the load, the focus remained on maintaining balance and stability. The operator made slow, deliberate movements while the ground crew monitored alignment and load behavior.

Throughout the lift:

• The tank remained level

• Movements were controlled and precise

• Communication stayed constant

• Adjustments were made gradually

With 100,000 pounds in the air, there’s no room for sudden movement.

The Result: A Successful Heavy Lift

The military tank was lifted and positioned safely, completing a complex operation without incident. The project moved forward smoothly, demonstrating the level of capability required for extreme heavy lifting.

This lift wasn’t just about capacity it was about experience, planning, and execution.

Why Contractors Trust Patriot Lifting for Heavy Lifts

• High-capacity cranes like our 165-ton unit

• Experience with oversized and unconventional loads

• Detailed lift planning and execution

• Skilled operators and rigging crews

• Safety-first approach on every job

When the load is massive and the margin is small, experience matters.

Need a Heavy Lift Handled Safely?

From large equipment to specialized loads, Patriot Lifting has the equipment and expertise to handle your toughest lifts.

Contact our team to schedule your lift.