Escorts F20 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 (19475 kg vs 10300 Kg), Weight (19475 kg vs 10300 kg), Fuel Tank (270 L vs 50 L). The other 8 specs are the same.
Specs from OEM brochures · comparison updated Aug 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 F20
Escorts HYDRA 12
Escorts F20
VS
Escorts HYDRA 12
Crane
Escorts F20 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 (19475 kg vs 10300 Kg), Weight (19475 kg vs 10300 kg), Fuel Tank (270 L vs 50 L). The other 8 specs are the same.
Specs from OEM brochures · comparison updated Aug 2026
Escorts F20
₹44.5 Lakh Onwards*
Escorts HYDRA 12
₹18.0 Lakh Onwards*
Particulars
Escorts F20
Escorts HYDRA 12
Escorts F20 vs Escorts HYDRA 12: Which One to Buy?
The Escorts F20 lifts heavier loads and reaches higher, which suits big infrastructure and factory jobs. The Escorts HYDRA 12 is smaller and turns in a tighter space, so it moves easily on crowded sites and narrow city roads.
If your work involves heavy pick-and-carry jobs on open sites, the F20's extra lifting power is built for that. If you work in tight urban sites or smaller yards, the HYDRA 12 is easier to move around and simpler to run. Browse the full Escorts crane range, all pick-and-carry cranes, or read our crane buying guide.
Escorts F20
Pros:
Higher maximum lifting capacity of 20 Tonnes for larger projects
More powerful engine with 101 HP for robust performance
Features a synchromesh transmission with more gear options (10 forward and 2 reverse)
Capable of both 2WD and 4WD operations for versatile site conditions
Articulated boom with a maximum height reach of 21.8 m
Cons:
Higher price range ₹ 36 - 38 Lakhs could be a constraint for some budgets
Heavier operational weight of 19475 kg which may require stronger ground conditions
Longer minimum turning radius of 7850 mm might challenge maneuverability in tight spaces
Escorts HYDRA 12
Pros:
Lower cost ranging from ₹ 18 - 20 Lakhs makes it more affordable
More compact with a smaller minimum turning radius of 6250 mm for better maneuverability
Lighter operating weight of 8850 kg, allowing for use on different terrains
Greater fuel tank capacity of 45 L and hydraulic tank capacity of 65 L
Cons:
Lower maximum lifting capacity of 12 Tonnes restricts its use to smaller tasks
Less powerful engine with 49.5 HP may limit performance for heavy-duty operations
Only 2WD drive type, which might be less effective on difficult terrains
Shorter maximum boom height of 11 m may reduce lifting utility in certain applications
Pros:
Cons:
Closing Recommendation
Both cranes come from the same trusted Escorts range, but they suit different jobs. Choose the Escorts F20 when your work needs higher lifting capacity and the strength to handle rough ground. Choose the Escorts HYDRA 12 when you work in tight spaces and want a lighter, easier machine to run. So match the machine to your work: Escorts F20 for heavy lifting on open sites, Escorts HYDRA 12 for tight, smaller jobs.
Escorts F20 Vs Escorts HYDRA 12 Crane Price, Technical Specifications & Features
The Escorts F20 is a 20-ton pick-and-carry crane built for heavy-duty industrial, power, and construction projects in India. It comes with a 101 HP VECV diesel engine, delivering steady output during extended working hours. The crane is rated for 20 tonnes and provides a boom reach of 19.5 metres. Its lifting range supports operations that require both height and load capacity. All-wheel steering enables smooth navigation across crowded and complex work areas. Specially designed tyres help protect ground surfaces while transporting loads across the site. The Escorts F20 price in India starts at ₹44.5 Lakh onwards* depending on configuration & location. The final price varies based on configuration and delivery location. This Escorts crane fits operations that require dependable lifting and efficient material handling across large-scale 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 F20 vs Escorts HYDRA 12: Which One to Buy?
The Escorts F20 lifts heavier loads and reaches higher, which suits big infrastructure and factory jobs. The Escorts HYDRA 12 is smaller and turns in a tighter space, so it moves easily on crowded sites and narrow city roads.
If your work involves heavy pick-and-carry jobs on open sites, the F20's extra lifting power is built for that. If you work in tight urban sites or smaller yards, the HYDRA 12 is easier to move around and simpler to run. Browse the full Escorts crane range, all pick-and-carry cranes, or read our crane buying guide.
Escorts F20
Pros:
Higher maximum lifting capacity of 20 Tonnes for larger projects
More powerful engine with 101 HP for robust performance
Features a synchromesh transmission with more gear options (10 forward and 2 reverse)
Capable of both 2WD and 4WD operations for versatile site conditions
Articulated boom with a maximum height reach of 21.8 m
Cons:
Higher price range ₹ 36 - 38 Lakhs could be a constraint for some budgets
Heavier operational weight of 19475 kg which may require stronger ground conditions
Longer minimum turning radius of 7850 mm might challenge maneuverability in tight spaces
Escorts HYDRA 12
Pros:
Lower cost ranging from ₹ 18 - 20 Lakhs makes it more affordable
More compact with a smaller minimum turning radius of 6250 mm for better maneuverability
Lighter operating weight of 8850 kg, allowing for use on different terrains
Greater fuel tank capacity of 45 L and hydraulic tank capacity of 65 L
Cons:
Lower maximum lifting capacity of 12 Tonnes restricts its use to smaller tasks
Less powerful engine with 49.5 HP may limit performance for heavy-duty operations
Only 2WD drive type, which might be less effective on difficult terrains
Shorter maximum boom height of 11 m may reduce lifting utility in certain applications
Pros:
Cons:
Closing Recommendation
Both cranes come from the same trusted Escorts range, but they suit different jobs. Choose the Escorts F20 when your work needs higher lifting capacity and the strength to handle rough ground. Choose the Escorts HYDRA 12 when you work in tight spaces and want a lighter, easier machine to run. So match the machine to your work: Escorts F20 for heavy lifting on open sites, Escorts HYDRA 12 for tight, smaller jobs.
Escorts F20 Vs Escorts HYDRA 12 Crane Price, Technical Specifications & Features
The Escorts F20 is a 20-ton pick-and-carry crane built for heavy-duty industrial, power, and construction projects in India. It comes with a 101 HP VECV diesel engine, delivering steady output during extended working hours. The crane is rated for 20 tonnes and provides a boom reach of 19.5 metres. Its lifting range supports operations that require both height and load capacity. All-wheel steering enables smooth navigation across crowded and complex work areas. Specially designed tyres help protect ground surfaces while transporting loads across the site. The Escorts F20 price in India starts at ₹44.5 Lakh onwards* depending on configuration & location. The final price varies based on configuration and delivery location. This Escorts crane fits operations that require dependable lifting and efficient material handling across large-scale 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 F20 vs Escorts HYDRA 12 Crane
Escorts F20
Escorts HYDRA 12
Engine Make
VECV E494
Escorts Kubota E4.391NA
Articulation
40°
Up to 54°
Max. Speed
40 km/h
29 km/h
Fuel Tank
270 L
50 L
Hydraulic Tank
185 L
70 L
Overall Length
10900 mm
10050 mm
Overall Width
2700 mm
2410 mm
Wheelbase
4880 mm
4350 mm
Boom Luffing Range
-3° to +65°
-5° to + 62°
Warranty
1 Year
1 Year
Key highlights: Escorts F20 vs Escorts HYDRA 12 Crane
Escorts F20
Escorts HYDRA 12
Engine Make
VECV E494
Escorts Kubota E4.391NA
Articulation
40°
Up to 54°
Max. Speed
40 km/h
29 km/h
Fuel Tank
270 L
50 L
Hydraulic Tank
185 L
70 L
Overall Length
10900 mm
10050 mm
Overall Width
2700 mm
2410 mm
Wheelbase
4880 mm
4350 mm
Boom Luffing Range
-3° to +65°
-5° to + 62°
Warranty
1 Year
1 Year
Full specifications: Escorts F20 vs Escorts HYDRA 12 Crane
Engine
Escorts F20
Escorts HYDRA 12
Engine Make
VECV 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 F20
Escorts HYDRA 12
Max. Lifting Capacity
20 Tonnes
12 Tonnes
Transmission & Clutch
Escorts F20
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 F20
Escorts HYDRA 12
Steering Type
Full power orbitrol with twin hydraulic double acting rams
Articulated power steering hydraulically controlled through 2 hydraulic jacks
Articulation
40°
Up to 54°
Turning Radius
8250 mm
6300 mm
Hoist Mechanism
Escorts F20
Escorts HYDRA 12
Hoist
15T 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 F20
Escorts HYDRA 12
Front Wheels
Fully air operated brakes on front wheels
‘S’ cam pneumatically actuated drum brakes
Rear Wheels
Fully air operated 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 F20
Escorts HYDRA 12
Engine Oil
NA
NA
Fuel Tank
270 L
50 L
Hydraulic Tank
185 L
70 L
Transmission Oil
NA
NA
Overall Dimensions & Weight
Escorts F20
Escorts HYDRA 12
Overall Length With Bucket
10900 mm
10050 mm
Overall Width
2700 mm
2410 mm
Overall Height
3300 mm
3050 mm
Wheel Base
4880 mm
4350 mm
Operating Weight
19475 kg
10300 Kg
Front Track
1960 mm
1820 mm
Rear Track
1960 mm
1670 mm
Front Tyres
12 x 24-20 PLY (4 Nos.)
10.00 x 20-16 PR (4 Nos.)
Rear Tyres
12 x 24-20 PLY (4 Nos.)
13.00 x 24-12 PR (2 Nos.)
Boom
Escorts F20
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
-3° to +65°
-5° to + 62°
Boom Height
19.5 m
9.6 m, 11.3 m
Full specifications: Escorts F20 vs Escorts HYDRA 12 Crane
Engine
Escorts F20
Escorts HYDRA 12
Engine Make
VECV 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 F20
Escorts HYDRA 12
Max. Lifting Capacity
20 Tonnes
12 Tonnes
Transmission Clutch
Escorts F20
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 F20
Escorts HYDRA 12
Steering Type
Full power orbitrol with twin hydraulic double acting rams
Articulated power steering hydraulically controlled through 2 hydraulic jacks
Articulation
40°
Up to 54°
Turning Radius
8250 mm
6300 mm
Hoist Mechanism
Escorts F20
Escorts HYDRA 12
Hoist
15T 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 F20
Escorts HYDRA 12
Front Wheels
Fully air operated brakes on front wheels
‘S’ cam pneumatically actuated drum brakes
Rear Wheels
Fully air operated 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 F20
Escorts HYDRA 12
Engine Oil
NA
NA
Fuel Tank
270 L
50 L
Hydraulic Tank
185 L
70 L
Transmission Oil
NA
NA
Overall Dimension And Weight
Escorts F20
Escorts HYDRA 12
Overall Length With Bucket
10900 mm
10050 mm
Overall Width
2700 mm
2410 mm
Overall Height
3300 mm
3050 mm
Wheel Base
4880 mm
4350 mm
Operating Weight
19475 kg
10300 Kg
Front Track
1960 mm
1820 mm
Rear Track
1960 mm
1670 mm
Front Tyres
12 x 24-20 PLY (4 Nos.)
10.00 x 20-16 PR (4 Nos.)
Rear Tyres
12 x 24-20 PLY (4 Nos.)
13.00 x 24-12 PR (2 Nos.)
Boom
Escorts F20
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 F20 vs Escorts HYDRA 12
Ans.
The Escorts HYDRA 12 is better for narrow city sites. Its turning radius is smaller than the F20's, so it moves through tight gates and crowded yards more easily. The F20 needs more open space to work well.
Ans.
The Escorts F20 can lift heavier loads. It has a higher maximum lifting capacity than the HYDRA 12, so it fits large infrastructure, factory and warehouse jobs where loads are bigger.
Ans.
The Escorts HYDRA 12 is cheaper to run day to day. It is a lighter machine built for smaller jobs, so fuel and upkeep cost less than running the bigger, more powerful F20.
Ans.
The Escorts F20 handles rough or uneven ground better. It can be driven in 2WD or 4WD, which gives it more grip on soft or broken surfaces than the HYDRA 12, which is built more for smooth yard and site floors.
Ans.
Both cranes have a place in a rental fleet, but for different jobs. The HYDRA 12 gets hired often for small factory and warehouse work because it is easy to move and cheap to run, while the F20 gets called for bigger lifting jobs where its extra capacity is needed.
Escorts F20 Vs Escorts HYDRA 12 - Compare Price & Availability Across 600+ Locations in India
Compare Escorts F20 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.
Desi Machines is a platform where you can see and compare construction equipment. It showcases images, brochures, features, technical specifications, brand details & dealer information. All these are taken from respective brand websites, brochures, and other public resources. We do not claim ownership of these materials and strive to ensure their accuracy. However, the disparity may happen and we advise users to verify directly with respective brands and dealers. Desi Machines is not liable for any inaccuracies or reliance on the information provided. Use of this website is at your own discretion.
Excavator
294 models 
Backhoe Loader
51 models 
Crane
68 models 
Concrete Mixer
79 models 
Wheel Loader
54 models 
Compactor / Roller
45 models 
Motor Grader
42 models 
Concrete Pump
66 models 
Skid Steer Loader
11 models 
Telehandler
13 models 
