Cranemasters Rolls Out New Mobile Crane Line
TL;DR: Cranemasters, a Chesterfield-based railroad contractor, is manufacturing a new generation of mobile cranes at its North Chesterfield plant to replace aging equipment used in emergency derailment response.
Quick facts
- Who: Cranemasters Inc., a Chesterfield-based railroad contractor founded in 1986
- What: Building a new line of heavy-duty mobile cranes with greater lift capacity and improved terrain handling at a local 30,000-square-foot manufacturing facility
- When: Design began in 2022; production ramping up through 2026-2027; testing expected August-September 2027
- Where: 8020 Whitepine Road, North Chesterfield, VA
The story
Cranemasters, the Chesterfield-based railroad contractor that responds to derailments and lifts fallen locomotives and railcars, is manufacturing a new generation of mobile cranes to modernize its fleet and replace equipment that has served the industry for two decades.
The company, founded in 1986 and co-owned by Loren Isringhausen and his sons Brian and Barry, operates a 30,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at 8020 Whitepine Road in North Chesterfield. The new mobile crane line succeeds the 200 RS Super-Duty model, which has been in service since 2007. That earlier crane could lift 100 tons and ran on a 600-horsepower engine.
The new model is designed with greater lifting capacity and an improved undercarriage that offers enhanced stability and maneuverability in extreme terrain conditions, according to Barry Isringhausen. "The core unit is still a very capable, very resilient structure," he said. "But we went through and did a remanufacture, rebuild on it."
Design work on the new crane began in 2022, with production ramping up through the summer of 2026. Two initial units are under construction, with plans to build at least nine units for the company's operations. Each crane represents a multimillion-dollar investment. Cranemasters is also exploring international sales opportunities for the new model. Testing is expected in August or September 2027.
Cranemasters operates 11 offices nationwide serving freight and passenger rail carriers. With roughly 255 employees, the company has established itself as one of the few manufacturers in North America designing and building heavy-duty railroad equipment for its own use and for sale to the broader rail industry.
Key players
- Cranemasters Inc.: Chesterfield-based railroad contractor and equipment manufacturer expanding its mobile crane product line
- Barry Isringhausen: Co-owner of Cranemasters; spoke about the new crane redesign and manufacturing process
- Loren Isringhausen: Founder of Cranemasters in 1986
Key dates
- 2022: Design work on new mobile crane line began
- Summer 2026: Production of new crane model ramping up
- August-September 2027: Testing of new crane units expected
Why it matters: The expansion shows continued growth in Chesterfield's manufacturing sector and represents a significant capital investment in local operations by an established contractor. Upgrading crane capabilities helps ensure faster, safer response to railroad emergencies that can disrupt rail traffic and commerce across the country.
Places
Development timeline
- 1986Cranemasters Founded: Loren Isringhausen founded the railroad contractor and equipment manufacturer in Chesterfield County [source]
- 2007200 RS Super-Duty Crane Enters Service: Predecessor crane model with 100-ton lifting capacity and 600 horsepower begins operations [source]
- 2022New Crane Design Work Begins: Cranemasters launches design phase for next-generation mobile crane with improved capabilities [source]
- Summer 2026Production Ramps Up: Manufacturing of new mobile crane line begins at North Chesterfield facility [source]
Related links
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