# The Little Crane That Could

> Realistic crane simulator game with physics-based puzzles. (iPhone/iPad app by Abraham Stolk.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-little-crane-that-could/id408257810 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Abraham Stolk](https://appshunter.io/developer/303320757)
- Category: Games, Education, Racing, Simulation
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.20/5 from 898 App Store ratings · 426 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 8.0 · 42 MB
- Languages: American English, Dutch, Japanese
- Released: 2011-01-27
- Data updated: 2026-08-28
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-little-crane-that-could/id408257810/reviews.md

## What is The Little Crane That Could?

Driving a crane and operating a crane is so much fun. Improve your spatial skills and solve puzzles in this crane simulator, which is enjoyed by over 19 million people, young and old.

A realistic physics simulation gives you full control over the crane: rotate, elevate, bend, extend and grapple. Use your crane to solve a diverse set of challenges. This crane simulator lets you use mobile cranes, dump trucks, forklifts, skid loaders and even a sky crane helicopter.

The Little Crane That Could features 6 free levels and 22 premium levels (1 in-app-purchase unlocks all levels.)


UPDATE FROM DEVELOPER:
You can follow me @BramStolk on Twitter. Please consider providing feedback on the game, good or bad. I need to know what you are thinking. There is a button in the HELP screen that takes you to the feedback page in itunes. Also, there is a FAQ now at http://stolk.org/tlctc/faq.html

NOTICE TO PROFESSIONAL OPERATORS:
If you open the settings of your device, and go to 'Little Crane' tab, you can reverse the controls to mimic real-life cranes where pulling the lever is boom up, and pushing is boom down.

'The Little Crane That Could' is a game by Abraham Stolk, and it uses the OpenDE physics engine.

Open Dynamics Engine is:
Copyright (c) 2001-2007, Russell L. Smith.
All rights reserved.

HUD graphic design by Matthew Beckman, music by playonloop.com

## Key features

- Realistic physics simulation
- Full crane control
- Diverse challenges
- Multiple vehicle types
- Spatial skill improvement
- Premium levels

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| premium levels | $4.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of The Little Crane That Could?

Overall sentiment: positive

**Pros**

- 🚀 Accurate physics and controls
- 👍 Challenging and addictive gameplay
- 🎮 Fun for all ages
- 💡 Realistic crane simulation

**Cons**

- 🔒 Expensive in-app purchases
- 🐛 Crashes and compatibility issues
- 🔋 Battery drain
- 🚫 Limited free levels

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Crashes after updates
- Inability to restore purchases
- Glitches with certain levels

**Most requested features**

- More free levels
- Additional vehicles and equipment
- Ability to play own music
- Level editor or sandbox mode
- Improved controls and camera options

## Recent user reviews (10 of 426)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-little-crane-that-could/id408257810/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Nostalgic

*2026-07-27, version 6.51*

I remember playing this for hours on end when my mom would let me use her phone lol. I wanna say I was around 10-11 when I first found this game, I’m 26 now😂

### 5/5 — Childhood

*2026-06-22, version 6.51*

This game is literally my childhood. When I first got my iPad in 2012, I couldn’t stop playing this all the time. And I just remembered I have this legendary game on this.

### 5/5 — 懐かしい

*2026-05-04*

すごくハマってたゲーム、また見つけれて嬉しい

### 1/5 — Level

*2025-11-03, version 6.51*

I need project 02 coaster level to the game

### 5/5 — ahead of its time

*2025-09-16, version 6.51*

i remember playing this on ios 7 & 8

### 5/5 — Harry

*2025-07-08*

King

### 5/5 — Little Crane

*2025-07-07, version 6.51*

This game comes as close to the realistic operation of equipment as any I've found yet!

It's a great game and I'm hoping the creator is already working on more. I'd like to see more levels with different jobs and additional equipment such as Backhoes, bulldozers, front end loaders ect...

Keep up the great work!

### 5/5 — A smart game for kids

*2025-03-22, version 6.51*

Teaches 3d perception and controls. A favorite of ours for years!

### 5/5 — 5!

*2025-02-04*

Игра просто отличная, ни на секунду не пожалела денег

### 5/5 — Level

*2024-07-26, version 6.51*

I need mechanized bowling level to the game

## Frequently asked questions about The Little Crane That Could

### What is The Little Crane That Could?

The Little Crane That Could is a crane simulator game that offers a realistic physics simulation for operating various types of cranes and heavy machinery. Players can improve their spatial skills by solving a diverse set of challenges.

### What are the key features of this crane simulator?

The app features a realistic physics engine providing full control over cranes, including rotation, elevation, bending, extending, and grappling. It also includes mobile cranes, dump trucks, forklifts, skid loaders, and a sky crane helicopter, along with 6 free and 22 premium levels.

### How much does The Little Crane That Could cost?

The app offers 6 free levels to play. There are 22 additional premium levels available, which can be unlocked with a single in-app purchase, granting access to all levels.

### What kind of challenges can I expect in the game?

You will encounter a diverse set of challenges that require you to use your crane's realistic physics controls to move objects and complete objectives. These challenges are designed to test and improve your spatial reasoning and problem-solving abilities.

### Can I customize the controls?

Yes, you can customize the controls to mimic real-life cranes. By accessing the 'Little Crane' tab in your device's settings, you can reverse the controls so that pulling a lever corresponds to boom up and pushing corresponds to boom down.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 6.51 — 2018-05-15

This update from Apple will improve the functionality of this app. No new features are included.

* Don't serve personalized ads to EU users.
* Fix buttons on info screen.

### 6.50 — 2018-02-23

* Support 120Hz rendering.
* Support latest phone device.
* Support latest tablet devices.
* Changed lever default: pulling lever down means lifting boom, like real heavy machinery.
* Little Crane finally has a (flexible) rear axle.
* Upgraded to latest Ad SDK.
* Don't attempt to record score is local player is not authenticated.
* Upgraded physics engine: now using OpenDE 0.13.1
* Fresh new colours in UI.
* New launch screen.

### 6.42 — 2016-02-23

→ New level 'ski jump.'
→ New icon.
→ Fixed iCloud loading for user levels.
→ Replaced ad network.
→ Use new shader management code.

### 6.23 — 2015-06-26

Announce Little Crane 2.

### 6.22 — 2015-04-02

Replaced obsolete iAd interstitials with latest API.

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## More apps by Abraham Stolk

- [Hover Biker](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hover-biker/id477766521)
- [Little Crane World Editor](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/little-crane-world-editor/id515859445)
- [A Blocky Kind of Love](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/a-blocky-kind-of-love/id545370435)
- [Six Wheels and a Gun](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/six-wheels-and-a-gun/id606685664)
- [The Little Plane That Could](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-little-plane-that-could/id946579610)

All apps by Abraham Stolk: https://appshunter.io/developer/303320757

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-28.*