Truck-mounted cranes, also known as crane trucks, are versatile lifting machines that can be used for material handling, forming concrete placement and many other applications. Read on to find out more information about these versatile lifting units.
In the past, people used different machines for different applications. For example, they used one machine for moving the loads and another for lifting. Luckily, today we have these incredibly versatile lifting machines that are able to perform a variety of tasks – the well-known truck-mounted cranes. They are widely used whether for moving materials off a truck or for lifting materials directly on a construction job site. And the best thing is that crane trucks do not move only materials, but heavy concrete forms, construction equipment and precast units, which are all otherwise difficult to attach and move. Additionally, the crane trucks eliminate the need of backbreaking lifting and reduce often delays that slow the other workers and the whole process.
Crane trucks are a unique combination of lifting and hauling units, created by mounting either an articulating or telescoping boom at the back of the truck. The lifting capacity of the crane trucks varies and some cranes may have a capacity over 20 tons. The boom is one of the parts that make the crane trucks versatile. A telescoping boom is more efficient for a higher outreach and lighter loads. It allows placing loads to longer distance without moving the truck. An articulating boom, on the other hand, is more efficient for heavier loads that are loaded & unloaded on close distance to the truck. With crane trucks, the contractors do not need to wait for a forklift to unload the truck. Also, the articulated boom is ideal for narrow spaces, as they can easily fold into a tighter space.
Some of the most common users of the versatile crane trucks are the building contractors. Usually, they use them as material handlers to place concrete. However, the crane trucks can be very efficient on many other construction sites, and when they are not needed, many construction companies/contractors rent them. Buying a truck-mounted crane might be a worthy investment indeed, but if it is needed for a single operation only, renting one is the wiser choice. Crane trucks for rental vary in terms of cost, from $2,500 to $5,000 per month.
