Truck-mounted cranes, also known as loader cranes, are increasingly popular in transport and construction. This article provides an overview of truck crane types, categorized by load capacity, structure, and function.
What is a Truck-Mounted Crane?
A truck-mounted crane combines a standard truck with a hydraulic crane. The crane is installed on the truck, typically between the cab and cargo bed, allowing the vehicle to both transport and lift goods.
Truck Crane Components
1. Base Truck:
This is the standard truck component, potentially from brands like Hino, Isuzu, Hyundai, or Dongfeng. The base truck is classified by payload, number of axles, and gross vehicle weight.
2. Hydraulic Crane:
The hydraulic crane operates using oil pressure, combined with a mechanical system, to lift and move goods. There are two main types of hydraulic cranes: telescopic cranes (Unic, Tadano, Soosan…) and knuckle boom cranes (Hyva, Ferrari, Palfinger…).
3. Crane-Truck Connection:
The crane is connected to the base truck via a sturdy crane pedestal and chassis. Locking mechanisms are placed on the chassis to prevent the crane from shifting during vehicle movement.
Crane-truck connection showing a truck chassis connected to the base of a crane
4. Control System:
Cranes are controlled by hydraulic levers or remote control. The hydraulic pump system provides the necessary pressure for crane operation.
Crane control system with levers and hydraulic components
Truck Crane Classification
1. By Load Capacity:
- Light-duty cranes: Lifting capacity from 1 to 5 tons.
- Medium-duty cranes: Lifting capacity from 6 to 10 tons.
- Heavy-duty cranes: Lifting capacity over 10 tons.
2. By Structure:
- Telescopic cranes (boom trucks): Lower initial investment, longer reach, suitable for tight spaces.
- Knuckle boom cranes (articulating): Higher initial investment, better lifting power, faster lifting speed, space-saving.
Telescopic crane extended on a truck
Knuckle boom crane folded on a truck
3. By Function:
- Transport truck cranes: Prioritize cargo payload, cranes typically have a smaller lifting capacity.
- Erection truck cranes: Prioritize lifting capacity, cranes typically have a larger lifting capacity.
- Multi-purpose truck cranes: Equipped with accessories such as man baskets, drilling heads, and grabs.
Multi-purpose truck crane lifting a man basket
Choosing the Right Crane
Selecting the appropriate crane type depends on factors such as the load to be lifted, working conditions, and investment budget. Careful consideration is needed to ensure efficient use and workplace safety.
