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Advantages and Disadvantages of a Knuckle Boom Truck-Mounted Crane

In recent years, the truck-mounted crane industry has grown rapidly, with sales increasing year by year. Compared to mobile cranes, truck-mounted cranes have a shorter investment return period. Under good business conditions, costs can be recovered in about a year, while even under poorer conditions, it takes roughly two years. As a result, the demand for truck-mounted cranes is rising. Based on the boom structure, truck-mounted cranes can be divided into knuckle boom and straight boom types. So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of a knuckle boom truck-mounted crane?
Knuckle boom crane

I. Advantages

  1. Higher Efficiency
    The knuckle boom of a truck-mounted crane functions similarly to a human hand, allowing it to perform a variety of movements efficiently and flexibly, making operations more effective.
  2. Better for Low-Ceilinged Spaces
    The knuckle boom can fold twice, making it more suitable for working in low-ceilinged or confined spaces, such as factories, warehouses, or other compact environments.
  3. Capable of Mounting Various Attachments
    Much like a robotic arm, the knuckle boom can be fitted with various “hands” at its end, such as aerial work baskets, grabs, clamps, pallet forks, breakers, and augers, enhancing its versatility.
  4. Takes Up Less Cargo Space
    Due to its folding structure, the knuckle boom can be stored compactly, allowing for more cargo space on the truck bed, thereby improving load capacity and cargo area utilization.
  5. Easy Maintenance
    The telescoping hydraulic cylinder of the knuckle boom crane is located externally, making it easier to repair if any issues arise.

II. Disadvantages

  1. Higher Hydraulic System Pressure than Straight Boom Cranes
    To reduce the pressure on the luffing cylinder, knuckle boom cranes often use a linkage mechanism. While straight boom cranes use gear pumps in their hydraulic systems, knuckle boom cranes require high-pressure piston pumps.
  2. Rotation Angle Limitation
    The rotation of a knuckle boom truck-mounted crane is driven by the rack on the hydraulic rotary cylinder, which turns the gear at the bottom of the column. The rotation angle is determined by the hydraulic cylinder, meaning the crane cannot rotate continuously. Typically, the maximum rotation angle for a knuckle boom crane is 360 degrees.

Knuckle boom truck-mounted cranes have both advantages and disadvantages. The choice of boom type should depend on the working environment. Prices for truck-mounted cranes vary depending on the boom design, so selecting the right one for your needs is key.

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