Crane trucks are essential lifting and transportation equipment widely used in construction, logistics, and municipal services. This article introduces two common types of crane trucks: Truck-Mounted Cranes and Truck Cranes, including their features, classifications, and application scenarios.
Truck-Mounted Crane (Knuckle Boom & Telescopic Boom)
A truck-mounted crane, also known as a lorry crane or truck-mounted lifting and transport vehicle, is a versatile unit that combines lifting, rotation, and cargo transportation functions. These operations are achieved through a hydraulic lifting and telescoping system, and the crane is typically mounted on a cargo truck chassis.
Components and Structure
The truck-mounted crane mainly consists of:
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Cargo truck chassis
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Cargo bed
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Power take-off (PTO)
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Crane unit (mounted behind or between the cab and cargo area)
Crane Types
Truck-mounted cranes are classified by crane structure into two types:
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Telescopic Boom Crane (Straight Arm): Simple design, good for vertical lifts.
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Knuckle Boom Crane (Articulated Arm): Compact when folded, ideal for complex and confined job sites.
- Besides straight-boom and knuckle-boom truck cranes, there are other specialized types, including cargo and dump truck cranes. See (Different types of truck cranes and their uses) for details.
Tonnage Specifications
Common lifting capacities include:
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2 tons, 3.2 tons, 4 tons, 5 tons, 6.3 tons, 8 tons, 10 tons, 12 tons, 16 tons, and 20 tons.
Advantages and Limitations
Advantages:
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High mobility and easy transfer between job sites
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Combines transport and lifting in one vehicle, improving efficiency
Limitations:
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Requires outriggers for stability during operation
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Not suitable for operation on steep slopes, soft ground, or muddy areas
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Slightly less lifting power compared to truck cranes
Optional Attachments
To meet diverse job needs, truck-mounted cranes can be equipped with:
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Log grapples
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Aerial baskets
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Brick clamps
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Drilling augers
These attachments expand their application in forestry, utility maintenance, construction, and more.
Truck Crane (Vehicle-Mounted Mobile Crane)
A truck crane, also known as a mobile truck crane, is a type of crane mounted on a standard truck chassis. Unlike truck-mounted cranes, it features a separate driver’s cab and operator cab.
Features
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High mobility and quick deployment
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Operates with the support of hydraulic outriggers
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Cannot drive while carrying a load
Limitations
Like truck-mounted cranes, truck cranes are also not ideal for working on soft or muddy ground. They offer better lifting capacity than truck-mounted cranes but lack integrated cargo transport capabilities.
