Escorts F17 vs Escorts HYDRA 12: the two differ on 45 of 53 listed specs. The main differences are Engine (VECV 101 HP vs E-Kubota 50 HP), Operating Weight (17580 kg vs 10300 Kg), Weight (17580 kg vs 10300 kg), Fuel Tank (220 L vs 50 L). The other 8 specs are the same.
Specs from OEM brochures · comparison updated Jul 2026
* Ex-factory price ranges are indicative for Sep 2026 and change with variant, city and offers; confirm with the dealer. On-road cost adds transport, RTO, insurance and accessories. Disclaimer
The comparisons provided are based on the technical specifications published by the respective OEMs on their official websites and brochures. Please confirm these details directly with the OEMs before making any final decision.
Key Highlights
Escorts F17
Escorts HYDRA 12
Escorts F17
VS
Escorts HYDRA 12
Crane
Escorts F17 vs Escorts HYDRA 12: the two differ on 45 of 53 listed specs. The main differences are Engine (VECV 101 HP vs E-Kubota 50 HP), Operating Weight (17580 kg vs 10300 Kg), Weight (17580 kg vs 10300 kg), Fuel Tank (220 L vs 50 L). The other 8 specs are the same.
Specs from OEM brochures · comparison updated Jul 2026
Escorts F17
₹37.6 Lakh Onwards*
Escorts HYDRA 12
₹18.0 Lakh Onwards*
Particulars
Escorts F17
Escorts HYDRA 12
Escorts F17 vs Escorts HYDRA 12: Which One to Buy?
Both are Escorts cranes, so service and parts are equal either way, and the gap between them is bigger than the tonnage suggests. The tables below carry the full numbers. The Escorts F17 lifts 17 tonne, drives all four wheels, runs a turbocharged common-rail engine with more gears, and reaches nearly twice as high with its boom. The Escorts HYDRA 12 lifts 12 tonne, drives two wheels, bends further at the middle, turns in a much smaller circle, and weighs far less.
So look at height and ground before capacity. If your loads must go up to an upper slab, onto a tank or over a wall, the F17 is the only one of the two that reaches, and its four wheel drive gets it onto raw project ground. If your work is inside factories, godowns and narrow plant lanes at ground level, the lighter, tighter HYDRA 12 moves better and costs far less to run. See the Escorts crane range, the full crane list, or read our crane buying guide.
Escorts F17
Pros:
Higher lifting capacity of 17 Tonnes
Engine features HPCR technology for efficient performance
Equipped with 4 wheel drive for better terrain handling
More forward speeds in transmission for versatile movement control
Greater maximum boom height of 21.0 m
Cons:
Higher operating weight of 16020 kg can affect fuel economy
Higher price range (₹ 33 - 35 Lakhs)
Escorts HYDRA 12
Pros:
Lower price range (₹ 18 - 20 Lakhs)
Articulation up to 50° allows for greater maneuverability
Smaller turning radius of 6250 mm
Lower operating weight of 8850 kg for potentially better fuel efficiency
Cons:
Lesser lifting capacity of 12 Tonnes
2 wheel drive only may limit off-road capability
Lower engine power compared to Escorts F17
Smaller maximum boom height of 11 m
Pros:
Cons:
Closing Recommendation
Since service is identical on both, choose purely on height, ground and running cost. Choose the Escorts F17 when your loads must go up to an upper slab or over a wall and you need roughly twice the boom height, when four wheel drive is the only way to reach a muddy or sloped site, when your lifts run above what a 12 tonne crane can take, and when more gears help you travel with a load on rough ground. Choose the Escorts HYDRA 12 when your work is ground level lifting inside factories, godowns and narrow lanes, when a much tighter turning circle saves you time on every move, when a floor slab limits the weight you can bring on, and when lower diesel cost each hour matters most. So match the machine to your work: Escorts F17 for tall lifts on rough project sites, Escorts HYDRA 12 for tight indoor lifting at low running cost.
Escorts F17 Vs Escorts HYDRA 12 Crane Price, Technical Specifications & Features
The Escorts F17 is a 17-ton pick-and-carry crane for steel erection, plant upkeep, and medium-duty lifting tasks in India. It is powered by a 101 HP VECV diesel engine, ensuring smooth and reliable hydraulic performance. The crane handles 17 tonnes and features a boom reach of 18.2 metres. It supports a wide range of lifting tasks across industrial and construction environments. Its pick-and-carry function, combined with all-wheel steering, enables safe load movement across job sites. An overload warning system enhances safety during lifting operations. The Escorts F17 price in India starts at ₹37.6 Lakh onwards*, depending on configuration & location. The final price depends on configuration and operating location. This Escorts crane is well-suited for operations requiring steady lifting performance and safe load transfer across active job sites.
The Escorts Hydra 12 is a 12-ton pick and carry crane designed for construction, infrastructure, and industrial lifting across India. It runs on an E-Kubota diesel engine that produces 50 HP, ensuring reliable hydraulic performance on busy job sites. The Hydra 12 crane can lift a maximum of 12 tonnes at a specific radius with a boom length of 9.6 to 11.3 metres. Its compact size provides excellent stability on uneven ground. A well-designed hydraulic system cuts cycle times and boosts productivity on site. The Escorts Hydra 12 crane price in India starts at ₹18.0 Lakh onwards*, based on configuration and location. This Escorts crane is an ideal choice for contractors, EPC firms, and crane rental operators looking for a cost-effective 12-ton hydra crane.
Escorts F17 vs Escorts HYDRA 12: Which One to Buy?
Both are Escorts cranes, so service and parts are equal either way, and the gap between them is bigger than the tonnage suggests. The tables below carry the full numbers. The Escorts F17 lifts 17 tonne, drives all four wheels, runs a turbocharged common-rail engine with more gears, and reaches nearly twice as high with its boom. The Escorts HYDRA 12 lifts 12 tonne, drives two wheels, bends further at the middle, turns in a much smaller circle, and weighs far less.
So look at height and ground before capacity. If your loads must go up to an upper slab, onto a tank or over a wall, the F17 is the only one of the two that reaches, and its four wheel drive gets it onto raw project ground. If your work is inside factories, godowns and narrow plant lanes at ground level, the lighter, tighter HYDRA 12 moves better and costs far less to run. See the Escorts crane range, the full crane list, or read our crane buying guide.
Escorts F17
Pros:
Higher lifting capacity of 17 Tonnes
Engine features HPCR technology for efficient performance
Equipped with 4 wheel drive for better terrain handling
More forward speeds in transmission for versatile movement control
Greater maximum boom height of 21.0 m
Cons:
Higher operating weight of 16020 kg can affect fuel economy
Higher price range (₹ 33 - 35 Lakhs)
Escorts HYDRA 12
Pros:
Lower price range (₹ 18 - 20 Lakhs)
Articulation up to 50° allows for greater maneuverability
Smaller turning radius of 6250 mm
Lower operating weight of 8850 kg for potentially better fuel efficiency
Cons:
Lesser lifting capacity of 12 Tonnes
2 wheel drive only may limit off-road capability
Lower engine power compared to Escorts F17
Smaller maximum boom height of 11 m
Pros:
Cons:
Closing Recommendation
Since service is identical on both, choose purely on height, ground and running cost. Choose the Escorts F17 when your loads must go up to an upper slab or over a wall and you need roughly twice the boom height, when four wheel drive is the only way to reach a muddy or sloped site, when your lifts run above what a 12 tonne crane can take, and when more gears help you travel with a load on rough ground. Choose the Escorts HYDRA 12 when your work is ground level lifting inside factories, godowns and narrow lanes, when a much tighter turning circle saves you time on every move, when a floor slab limits the weight you can bring on, and when lower diesel cost each hour matters most. So match the machine to your work: Escorts F17 for tall lifts on rough project sites, Escorts HYDRA 12 for tight indoor lifting at low running cost.
Escorts F17 Vs Escorts HYDRA 12 Crane Price, Technical Specifications & Features
The Escorts F17 is a 17-ton pick-and-carry crane for steel erection, plant upkeep, and medium-duty lifting tasks in India. It is powered by a 101 HP VECV diesel engine, ensuring smooth and reliable hydraulic performance. The crane handles 17 tonnes and features a boom reach of 18.2 metres. It supports a wide range of lifting tasks across industrial and construction environments. Its pick-and-carry function, combined with all-wheel steering, enables safe load movement across job sites. An overload warning system enhances safety during lifting operations. The Escorts F17 price in India starts at ₹37.6 Lakh onwards*, depending on configuration & location. The final price depends on configuration and operating location. This Escorts crane is well-suited for operations requiring steady lifting performance and safe load transfer across active job sites.
The Escorts Hydra 12 is a 12-ton pick and carry crane designed for construction, infrastructure, and industrial lifting across India. It runs on an E-Kubota diesel engine that produces 50 HP, ensuring reliable hydraulic performance on busy job sites. The Hydra 12 crane can lift a maximum of 12 tonnes at a specific radius with a boom length of 9.6 to 11.3 metres. Its compact size provides excellent stability on uneven ground. A well-designed hydraulic system cuts cycle times and boosts productivity on site. The Escorts Hydra 12 crane price in India starts at ₹18.0 Lakh onwards*, based on configuration and location. This Escorts crane is an ideal choice for contractors, EPC firms, and crane rental operators looking for a cost-effective 12-ton hydra crane.
45 differ · 8 identical
Key highlights: Escorts F17 vs Escorts HYDRA 12 Crane
Escorts F17
Escorts HYDRA 12
Engine Make
Volvo Eicher E494
Escorts Kubota E4.391NA
Articulation
36.3º
Up to 54°
Max. Speed
49 km/h
29 km/h
Fuel Tank
220 L
50 L
Hydraulic Tank
228 L
70 L
Overall Length
10075 mm
10050 mm
Overall Width
2450 mm
2410 mm
Wheelbase
3950 mm
4350 mm
Boom Luffing Range
-10° to +65°
-5° to + 62°
Warranty
1 Year
1 Year
Key highlights: Escorts F17 vs Escorts HYDRA 12 Crane
Escorts F17
Escorts HYDRA 12
Engine Make
Volvo Eicher E494
Escorts Kubota E4.391NA
Articulation
36.3º
Up to 54°
Max. Speed
49 km/h
29 km/h
Fuel Tank
220 L
50 L
Hydraulic Tank
228 L
70 L
Overall Length
10075 mm
10050 mm
Overall Width
2450 mm
2410 mm
Wheelbase
3950 mm
4350 mm
Boom Luffing Range
-10° to +65°
-5° to + 62°
Warranty
1 Year
1 Year
Full specifications: Escorts F17 vs Escorts HYDRA 12 Crane
Engine
Escorts F17
Escorts HYDRA 12
Engine Make
Volvo Eicher E494
Escorts Kubota E4.391NA
Engine Type
CEV Stage V, Diesel Engine, High Pressure Common Rail System (HPCR) technology, Turbocharged, Water Cooled, ECU Control Engine Management System
CEV Stage V, 4 cylinders, Naturally Aspirated, Electronic, Common Rail Direct Injection
Max Power
101 HP (74 kW) @ 2200 RPM
50 HP (37 kW) @ 2200 RPM
Battery
12 V, Negative Earth, 150 Ah Battery
12V, Negative Earth, 88 Ah
Alternator
NA
NA
Lifting Capacity
Escorts F17
Escorts HYDRA 12
Max. Lifting Capacity
17 Tonnes
12 Tonnes
Transmission & Clutch
Escorts F17
Escorts HYDRA 12
Drive
4 Wheel Drive
2 Wheel drive
Type
Synchromesh transmission with 10 forward and 2 reverse speeds with Auxiliary Gear Box and Hi-low & 2WD/4WD mode selector
Heavy-duty transmission developed especially for crane applications. Constant mesh gearbox coupled with a robust straight drive axle. 8 forward and 2 reverse speeds with high/low selector lever.
Steering System
Escorts F17
Escorts HYDRA 12
Steering Type
Full power orbitrol with twin hydraulic double acting rams
Articulated power steering hydraulically controlled through 2 hydraulic jacks
Articulation
36.3º
Up to 54°
Turning Radius
7200 mm
6300 mm
Hoist Mechanism
Escorts F17
Escorts HYDRA 12
Hoist
Hydraulically operated with 6 falls Built in Safety brakes
4 falls; Hydraulic winch (Winch Capacity 10T) Rope dia 13 mm
Hoist Speed
NA
NA
Brakes
Escorts F17
Escorts HYDRA 12
Front Wheels
Fully air operated 'S' cam dual curcuit brakes on front wheels
‘S’ cam pneumatically actuated drum brakes
Rear Wheels
Fully air operated 'S' cam dual curcuit brakes on rear wheels
Pneumatically actuated disc brakes
Parking Brake
Air operated, spring actuated, fail safe brakes on front & rear wheels
Hand control valve operated; Air-assisted Hydraulic parking brakes at all wheels
Service Capacity
Escorts F17
Escorts HYDRA 12
Engine Oil
NA
NA
Fuel Tank
220 L
50 L
Hydraulic Tank
228 L
70 L
Transmission Oil
NA
NA
Overall Dimensions & Weight
Escorts F17
Escorts HYDRA 12
Overall Length With Bucket
10075 mm
10050 mm
Overall Width
2450 mm
2410 mm
Overall Height
3215 mm
3050 mm
Wheel Base
3950 mm
4350 mm
Operating Weight
17580 kg
10300 Kg
Front Track
1825 mm
1820 mm
Rear Track
1825 mm
1670 mm
Front Tyres
11 x 20-16 PR (4 Nos.)
10.00 x 20-16 PR (4 Nos.)
Rear Tyres
11 x 20-16 PR (4 Nos.)
13.00 x 24-12 PR (2 Nos.)
Boom
Escorts F17
Escorts HYDRA 12
Telescoping
4 parts boom; 3 parts hydraulically powered & fully synchronized; 4th part power extended & manually pinned for safety
3 Part, box type, heavy duty boom, hydraulically operated, through 2 jacks at boom top
Derricking
NA
Through double acting jacks
Boom Luffing Time
NA
NA
Boom Luffing Range
-10° to +65°
-5° to + 62°
Boom Height
18.2 m
9.6 m, 11.3 m
Full specifications: Escorts F17 vs Escorts HYDRA 12 Crane
Engine
Escorts F17
Escorts HYDRA 12
Engine Make
Volvo Eicher E494
Escorts Kubota E4.391NA
Engine Type
CEV Stage V, Diesel Engine, High Pressure Common Rail System (HPCR) technology, Turbocharged, Water Cooled, ECU Control Engine Management System
CEV Stage V, 4 cylinders, Naturally Aspirated, Electronic, Common Rail Direct Injection
Max Power
101 HP (74 kW) @ 2200 RPM
50 HP (37 kW) @ 2200 RPM
Battery
12 V, Negative Earth, 150 Ah Battery
12V, Negative Earth, 88 Ah
Alternator
NA
NA
Lifting Capacity
Escorts F17
Escorts HYDRA 12
Max. Lifting Capacity
17 Tonnes
12 Tonnes
Transmission Clutch
Escorts F17
Escorts HYDRA 12
Drive
4 Wheel Drive
2 Wheel drive
Type
Synchromesh transmission with 10 forward and 2 reverse speeds with Auxiliary Gear Box and Hi-low & 2WD/4WD mode selector
Heavy-duty transmission developed especially for crane applications. Constant mesh gearbox coupled with a robust straight drive axle. 8 forward and 2 reverse speeds with high/low selector lever.
Steering
Escorts F17
Escorts HYDRA 12
Steering Type
Full power orbitrol with twin hydraulic double acting rams
Articulated power steering hydraulically controlled through 2 hydraulic jacks
Articulation
36.3º
Up to 54°
Turning Radius
7200 mm
6300 mm
Hoist Mechanism
Escorts F17
Escorts HYDRA 12
Hoist
Hydraulically operated with 6 falls Built in Safety brakes
4 falls; Hydraulic winch (Winch Capacity 10T) Rope dia 13 mm
Hoist Speed
NA
NA
Brakes
Escorts F17
Escorts HYDRA 12
Front Wheels
Fully air operated 'S' cam dual curcuit brakes on front wheels
‘S’ cam pneumatically actuated drum brakes
Rear Wheels
Fully air operated 'S' cam dual curcuit brakes on rear wheels
Pneumatically actuated disc brakes
Parking Brake
Air operated, spring actuated, fail safe brakes on front & rear wheels
Hand control valve operated; Air-assisted Hydraulic parking brakes at all wheels
Service Capacity
Escorts F17
Escorts HYDRA 12
Engine Oil
NA
NA
Fuel Tank
220 L
50 L
Hydraulic Tank
228 L
70 L
Transmission Oil
NA
NA
Overall Dimension And Weight
Escorts F17
Escorts HYDRA 12
Overall Length With Bucket
10075 mm
10050 mm
Overall Width
2450 mm
2410 mm
Overall Height
3215 mm
3050 mm
Wheel Base
3950 mm
4350 mm
Operating Weight
17580 kg
10300 Kg
Front Track
1825 mm
1820 mm
Rear Track
1825 mm
1670 mm
Front Tyres
11 x 20-16 PR (4 Nos.)
10.00 x 20-16 PR (4 Nos.)
Rear Tyres
11 x 20-16 PR (4 Nos.)
13.00 x 24-12 PR (2 Nos.)
Boom
Escorts F17
Escorts HYDRA 12
Telescoping
4 parts boom; 3 parts hydraulically powered & fully synchronized; 4th part power extended & manually pinned for safety
3 Part, box type, heavy duty boom, hydraulically operated, through 2 jacks at boom top
Questions buyers ask about the Escorts F17 vs Escorts HYDRA 12
Ans.
The Escorts F17 reaches roughly twice the height of the HYDRA 12. That is the single biggest difference between them, much larger than the five tonne capacity gap. If any of your work involves placing loads on an upper level, the HYDRA 12 will simply not do it, whatever its other strengths.
Ans.
Yes. Both are Escorts machines, so the same dealers, mechanics and parts counters serve both. That takes service reach out of the decision, which is helpful. If you already run one Escorts crane, your team can work on either of these without new training or new supplier relationships.
Ans.
The Escorts F17, because it drives all four wheels. On muddy approaches, loose filling and slopes it keeps pulling where a two wheel drive crane spins and stops. The HYDRA 12 is fine on factory floors, made roads and dry yards, but will struggle to reach a raw site after rain.
Ans.
The Escorts HYDRA 12 is much better inside a factory. It bends further at the middle and turns in a far smaller circle, so it gets around machines, pillars and stacked material with fewer reverse moves. It is also lighter, which matters on a floor slab with a stated load limit.
Ans.
The Escorts HYDRA 12, clearly. It has a smaller engine and much less weight to move, so it uses less diesel every hour and wears its tyres and driveline more slowly on hard floors. The F17 costs more to run, which only pays back when you genuinely need its height, capacity and grip.
Ans.
It depends on your area. Around road, bridge and structure work, the Escorts F17 gets the calls because few small cranes reach that high or take those loads. In an industrial belt full of factories and godowns, the HYDRA 12 stays busier and moves between jobs more cheaply. Ask local contractors what they book most.
Escorts F17 Vs Escorts HYDRA 12 - Compare Price & Availability Across 600+ Locations in India
Compare Escorts F17 Vs Escorts HYDRA 12 price and availability across all major cities in India including Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Indore, Jaipur, Guwahati, and 600+ more locations.
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