Chesterfield-based Cranemasters developing new mobile crane model

Cranemasters, a railroad contractor based in Chesterfield County, is developing a new line of mobile cranes designed to improve on its existing 200 RS Super-Duty Crane, according to Richmond BizSense. The company, which specializes in responding to train derailments and lifting fallen locomotives and railcars, has been in business for 40 years this month.

The new crane model will feature greater lifting capabilities and an improved undercarriage for enhanced stability and maneuverability compared to the 200 RS, a 600-horsepower machine with a 100-ton lifting capacity. Company president Barry Isringhausen said the equipment is purpose-built to operate in extreme terrain conditions encountered during derailment responses.

Production of the initial two units began this summer at Cranemasters' headquarters and manufacturing plant located at 8020 Whitepine Road in Chesterfield. The company started design work in 2022 and expects to begin testing the new cranes in August or September 2027.

Isringhausen declined to specify the total investment but described each unit as a multimillion-dollar project. Cranemasters plans to use the new cranes in its own operations and is considering international sales. The company currently operates nine 200 RS units, with the first introduced in 2007.