Types of truck-mounted cranes and their uses

A construction company may need to deliver steel, unload heavy equipment, or lift materials onto a building. A normal truck can carry these loads, but it cannot lift them without extra equipment.

A truck-mounted crane combines lifting equipment with a truck. It can travel between sites and handle different lifting jobs. However, not all truck-mounted cranes are the same. Some have straight booms, others have folding arms, and some are built for much heavier lifts. Understanding the different types helps contractors choose a crane with the right lifting power, reach, and truck size.

Truck-mounted cranes combine transport and lifting

A truck-mounted crane is a crane installed on a road-going vehicle. It uses a boom, hydraulic or electric power, and lifting equipment to move loads.

There are two main groups:

• Boom trucks (loader cranes): These use a crane mounted on a commercial truck. Many can carry materials on the truck bed and lift them at the delivery site.
• Truck cranes: These are larger mobile cranes, often built on special carriers. They are mainly used for lifting rather than carrying goods.

The names can sometimes overlap. People may also use crane truck, loader crane, or HIAB truck when talking about truck-mounted lifting equipment. The important difference is how the crane works and what kind of lifting job it can handle.

Five common types of truck-mounted cranes

Truck-mounted cranes come in different shapes and sizes. Some types describe the boom design, while others describe the crane's main job.

1. Straight-boom telescopic cranes

A straight-boom crane has a boom that extends in a straight line. Its sections slide out to provide more reach. This design is common on boom trucks used to lift construction materials, generators, machinery, and industrial equipment. The boom can extend to reach a load or place it at a higher point. When the work is finished, it retracts for transport.

Common uses:

• Loading and unloading heavy equipment.
• Moving construction materials.
• Placing generators and industrial parts.
• Lifting loads onto raised work areas.

Straight-boom cranes are useful when the crane has a clear path to the load. However, the crane cannot lift its maximum rated weight at every boom length. The allowed weight normally becomes lower as the load moves farther away.

2. Knuckle-boom cranes

A knuckle-boom crane, also called an articulated crane, has an arm with joints that bend. The boom can fold into a smaller shape when the truck travels. It can also move in different positions while lifting. This makes knuckle-boom cranes useful in places with limited space.

For example, a truck may need to unload building materials near a wall or other site equipment. The folding arm can help the operator place the load, as long as the lift stays within the crane's working limits.

Common uses:

• Delivering building materials.
• Loading and unloading pallets.
• Moving pipes and site equipment.
• Lifting in busy construction yards.

Some knuckle-boom cranes have short arms for lifting closer to the truck. Others have longer arms for jobs that need more reach. Their size and lifting power vary by model.

3. Grab and recycling cranes

Some truck-mounted cranes are made for handling loose materials rather than lifting a single load with a hook. These cranes use a grab attachment to pick up materials such as scrap metal, wood, and suitable waste.

The boom may use a folding design, and some models can be stored with the grab still attached. This helps operators move from one job to another without removing the attachment each time.

Common uses:

• Collecting scrap metal.
• Loading waste into trucks or containers.
• Handling timber and other loose materials.
• Working in recycling yards.

The grab type must match the material being handled. A crane used for scrap metal may need a different grab from one used for timber or general waste.

4. Compact truck-mounted service cranes

Not every lifting job needs a large crane. Compact service cranes can be fitted to smaller trucks, pickup vehicles, and service vehicles. Depending on the model, they may use hydraulic or electric power.

They are useful when workers need to lift tools, pumps, spare parts, or other equipment during service work. For example, a maintenance team may use a small truck-mounted crane to remove a heavy pump from a work area.

Common uses:

• Roadside and vehicle maintenance.
• Lifting spare parts and equipment.
• Utility service work.
• Small industrial lifting jobs.

These cranes take up less space than many large boom trucks. However, they are made for lighter lifting work. Buyers must check the crane's rated capacity and confirm that the vehicle can safely carry the crane and its load.

5. Heavy telescopic truck cranes

A heavy truck crane is different from a normal boom truck. It usually has a larger crane system and a carrier designed for lifting work. Its long telescopic boom can reach high positions and lift heavy loads when set up correctly. These machines are common on projects where a smaller loader crane does not have enough capacity or reach.

Common uses:

• Lifting large steel structures.
• Placing heavy industrial equipment.
• Supporting bridge and infrastructure work.
• Installing large construction components.

Heavy truck cranes need suitable ground conditions and enough space for their outriggers. Some also use extra counterweights or jib sections, depending on the model and lifting job. They are built mainly for lifting and usually do not have a cargo bed for carrying materials.

Explore truck-mounted cranes on Makana

Makana offers different crane types for construction, transport, and industrial work in the UAE. Buyers can explore boom truck cranes for sale, including XCMG models with straight and folding boom designs.

For larger lifting jobs, Makana also has a truck crane category covering heavy mobile cranes. Buyers who want to compare specific XCMG options can read the guide to 5-ton, 8-ton, and 10-ton XCMG boom trucks.

Depending on the machine, Makana provides specifications, inspection details, photos, and operational videos to help buyers compare equipment.

FAQs about truck-mounted cranes

What is a truck-mounted crane?

A truck-mounted crane is a lifting machine installed on a truck or road-going carrier. It can travel between sites and lift loads using a boom and lifting system.

What is the difference between a boom truck and a truck crane?

A boom truck normally has a crane mounted on a commercial truck and may carry materials on its bed. A truck crane is mainly designed for lifting and often has a larger crane on a special carrier.

What is the difference between a knuckle boom and a straight boom?

A knuckle boom has joints that let the arm bend and fold. A straight boom extends through sections that slide out. The best choice depends on the working space, load, and required reach.

Is a HIAB truck the same as a truck-mounted crane?

HIAB is a crane brand. People sometimes use the name HIAB truck to describe a truck with a loader crane, even when the crane comes from another manufacturer.

Can a truck-mounted crane lift its maximum load at full reach?

Not usually. The allowed lifting weight normally decreases as the load moves farther from the crane. Always check the load chart for the exact model and working setup.

What should buyers inspect on a used truck-mounted crane?

Buyers should inspect the boom, hydraulics, lifting parts, outriggers, safety systems, truck chassis, brakes, tyres, and service records. A working test is also important.