Knuckle boom hydraulic crane

Types of knuckle boom hydraulic cranes

A knuckle boom crane, also known as a tilting or articulated crane, is a type of crane with an articulated arm that can bend or fold at a joint. This crane operates with a hydraulic system that provides stability and ensures the seamless lifting and movement of loads. A knuckle boom crane has five main parts: the base, the main boom, the knuckle, the extension, and the control system.

• Main types based on functional characteristics:

Fixed knuckle boom hydraulic cranes are usually mounted on trucks or trailers. They feature a permanent base with a 360-degree rotating function that allows operators to pick loads from different angles and positions without needing to relocate the vehicle. This makes them well-suited for delivering items to locations that are hard to access, such as remote areas or off-road terrains. On the other hand, a mobile knuckle boom crane has a permanent installation on a vehicle chassis. Its mobility makes it ideal for applications that require frequent repositioning between lifting sites.

• Based on the number of knuckles:

A single-knuckle boom crane has only one joint. Knuckle boom hydraulic cranes with two joints are called double-knuckle hydraulic cranes. They can reach further distances than single-knuckle cranes. The more the number of knuckles, the more maneuverability of the crane.

Specifications and maintenance requirements of knuckle boom hydraulic cranes

Specifications

• Max lifting capacity: Knuckle cranes have different capacities depending on their size. The capacity of smaller knuckle cranes can be as low as 2 tons. Average-sized cranes usually have a capacity of 5 up to 20 tons. Larger knuckle cranes that are mounted on trucks can have a capacity of 30 tons or more.
• Max working radius: This refers to the furthest horizontal distance the knuckle crane can reach. The radius varies depending on the size and model of the crane. For smaller knuckle cranes, the max radius can be anywhere from 6 to 12 meters. Average to larger sized knuckle cranes can have a working radius of between 12 to 40 meters.
• Max vertical height: This refers to the maximum vertical height that the crane can reach when fully extended. The max height of smaller cranes is around 6 to 10 meters. The average to larger sized cranes can reach a height of 10 meters to 30 meters.
• Number of joints: The number of joints in a knuckle boom crane determines the flexibility of the crane. Generally, the more the joints, the better the flexibility. Most knuckle cranes have about two to four joints.
• Time to fully extend: It takes about 30 sec to 3 minutes for the crane to be fully extended or retracted using the hydraulic pump.

Maintenance

• Regular inspection: Check for any leaks, loose or worn-out parts. Pay special attention to the hydraulic hose connections. Inspect the joints and the retractable sections of the boom. Look for cracks or deformities in the structure of the crane.
• Lubrication: Regularly grease the moving parts of the knuckle boom crane. This includes the joints and pivot points. Lubricating the crane helps to prevent quicker wear and tear. It also protects the moving parts from dirt and debris.
• Hydraulic system maintenance: Regularly check the hydraulic fluid level. Top up the fluid if it is at a low level. Replace it if it looks milky or has a dark color. Also, check the hydraulic filters and change them if they are clogged up.
• Cleaning: To keep the crane in good shape, it should be washed regularly. Cleaning the crane gets rid of dirt, grime, and other types of build-up. Pay attention to the boom, which should be cleaned with fresh water every time after use in coastal areas.

Usage scenarios of a knuckle boom hydraulic crane

Knuckle boom cranes are widely used in various industrial sectors because they are versatile and operate well in different settings. Here are some typical usage scenarios for knuckle boom cranes:

• Loading and unloading of cargo from trucks or containers:

  Knuckle cranes are great for offloading goods or delicately positioning cargo within trailers. Goods that need to be handled with care, like furniture, vehicles, or equipment that can't be stacked, are usually carried by vehicles that have to use a knuckle crane for loading or offloading as the best choice.

• Logistics and transportation industry:

  In the logistics business, knuckle cranes are used to load and offload delivery vans, trailers, or containers at ports, warehouses, or distribution centers. Their ability to handle various packages, coupled with their versatility in confined spaces, makes them ideal for coordinating cargo operations precisely.

• Installation and maintenance of equipment:

  Knuckle boom cranes are his go-to tool for installing or maintaining massive machinery in manufacturing facilities or construction locations. It's usually possible to achieve the height needed for the task, even in tight quarters, since the cranes could be folded down to a suitable size and adjusted to various levels. The precision control offered by knuckle boom cranes helps protect the equipment from damage during handling.

• Construction industry:

  Knuckle boom cranes are commonly used in the construction industry for lifting and placing structural elements, roofs, beams, prefabricated modules, heavy equipment, and materials. They can handle and position heavy loads accurately in construction projects, making them suitable for complex lifting operations.

• Offshore oil and gas industry:

  In the offshore oil and gas industry, knuckle boom cranes are used for maintenance and repair of offshore platforms, rig boats, helicopter facilities, subsea installations, offshore wind turbine generators and equipment. Knuckle cranes handle heavy and delicate loads in the challenging offshore environment.

• Offshore logistics industry:

  Knuckle boom cranes are widely used in offshore logistics support operations. They are commonly used on supply vessels, anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessels, crew transfer vessels (CTV), and offshore support vessels (OSV). In the maritime as well as offshore logistics industries, knuckle boom cranes are frequently utilized for offshore supply transportation, equipment installation, maintenance, and retrieval operations.

How to choose knuckle boom hydraulic cranes

• Tasks and requirements analysis

  Before starting to research knuckle cranes, it's best to make a list of the tasks they'll need to do. This list could include the types of materials they'll lift, their weight, the lift's height and radius, and where the crane will be used. Comparing this list with the features of different knuckle cranes will help find one with the right specifications.

• Stability and capacity

  Changing demands are one reason businesses invest in knuckle cranes. To ensure the crane will be stable and able to handle future lifting needs, it's important to examine its weight and capacity. This includes checking the operating weight, which is the crane's weight when in use, and its maximum load capacity.

• Control mechanism

  Consider the type of controls users will have to deal with. Will they move around to control the movements, or will there be a control cabin with all the electronic gear? An electronic cabin with straightforward buttons, levers, and a clear dashboard will be better in an emergency than one without. Electronically controlled cranes usually offer more features but require a better understanding of electronics and computers.

• Attachment options

  A flexible crane can take on many jobs by using attachments like forks, grabs, and buckets. By studying different attachments, shoppers can find a crane that will meet their varied operational needs without having to buy more cranes.

• Maintenance and support

  Buying an easy-to-maintain crane will save users time and money in the long run. A model with a strong local dealer network will offer more support in terms of parts and maintenance. As well as service manuals, the dealer should have the parts needed to keep the crane in good shape.

Q & A

Q1: What are the three main components of a knuckle boom crane?

A1: The three components of a knuckle boom hydraulic crane are the hydraulic arm, the hydraulic system, and the control system. These components work together to ensure the efficient functioning of the crane.

Q2: What are the advantages of knuckle boom cranes?

A2: The flexibility of knuckle boom cranes is comparable to that of articulated cranes. They are simple to operate and offer great lifting capacity, making them suited for a variety of tasks. Their compact design allows them to be easily transported and stored when not in use. Moreover, as the segments of the arm can be bent, knuckle cranes are suitable for working in limited spaces and can be used to lift items over other objects or to lower them into deep areas.

Q3: Are knuckle cranes suitable for outdoor use?

A3: Krone hydraulic cranes are usually made for all-weather use, so they work fine outdoors, but their outdoor suitability depends on the model. Always check the technical specifications to see if a machine is suitable for outdoor use, and follow all safety instructions for outdoor use. Since outdoor conditions can be more challenging, the crane will need to be maintained more and inspected regularly, especially before using it in bad weather conditions like rain, snow, or extreme heat.

Q4: What safety measures should be considered when using a knuckle hydraulic crane?

A4: Many accidents can be avoided if the users put in place the general safety measures recommended when using hydraulic cranes. So, make sure all personnel are trained and familiar with the crane's operation. Use the crane within its specified load limits to prevent tipping, equipment failure, and injury. Also, maintain proper communication between the crane operator and ground personnel using hand signals or two-way radios. Inspect the crane regularly and before each use to ensure it's in good condition.