Truck crane

Types of truck cranes

A truck crane is a mobile crane mounted on a truck chassis. It is designed to lift and move heavy items. Truck cranes are versatile and commonly used in construction and industrial applications. Here are some common types of truck cranes:

• Conventional Cranes:

  Conventional truck cranes use a counterweight to maintain stability and balance during lifting operations. It is positioned opposite to the load being lifted. The counterweight's mass offsets the overturning moment generated by the load. This ensures the crane remains stable and prevents tipping or falling over while lifting heavy loads.

• Pick-up Truck Cranes:

  Generally smaller and less powerful, a pick-up truck crane is designed for lighter loads. It is mounted on standard pick-up truck beds. The crane is operated using its own hydraulic system. This type of crane is useful for small, quick job sites or tasks that require maneuverability and ease of access in tight areas.

• Knuckle Boom Cranes:

  A knuckle boom crane (also known as articulated loader cranes) has a unique articulation joint that allows it to fold up like a baseball bat. This gives the crane operator the flexibility to reach out and over obstacles with precision while maintaining control of the load. It is often mounted on the rear of a flatbed truck and powered by the vehicle's PTO (power take-off) or by its own diesel engine. Knuckle boom cranes are suitable for handling freight and materials in confined spaces or urban environments.

• All-terrain Trucks:

  Generally heavier and larger, a truck all-terrain crane is mounted on a special truck chassis. It is optimized for both on-road and off-road mobility. The crane combines the lifting capabilities of rough-terrain cranes with the high-speed travel of conventional truck cranes. This makes it suitable for use in various terrains and challenging job site conditions. An all-terrain truck crane is commonly used in infrastructure projects, energy sector installations, and large-scale construction developments.

• Rough Terrain Cranes:

  A rough terrain truck crane is designed for challenging off-road and rough-terrain applications. It is mounted on a rubber tire chassis. This type of truck crane is distinguished by its all-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and large, rugged tires. Such features provide excellent mobility and stability on uneven surfaces. A rough terrain truck crane is often used in utility projects, wind farm installations, and remote construction sites.

Specifications and maintenance of truck cranes

Specifications:

• Load Capacity: The load capacity of a truck-mounted crane indicates the maximum weight it can lift. Truck cranes with low load capacities, such as 10 tons, are excellent for lifting lighter loads. However, higher load capacities (up to 500 tons) are better suited for heavy-duty applications.
• Working Range: The working range refers to the horizontal and vertical reach of the truck crane. It includes the maximum lifting height and distance from the base of the crane. The working range varies depending on the model and configuration.
• Stabilization System: Truck cranes are equipped with stabilization systems to ensure a secure base during lifting operations. This may involve deploying outriggers or using stabilizing pads that can adjust depending on the terrain.
• Type of Crane: The type of crane determines how it functions and is built. Common kinds of truck cranes are telescopic cranes with long, thin arms that can be pulled up or down and rotary cranes with a fixed arm that can turn.

Maintenance:

• Weekly Inspections: Conducted general inspection of the crane. Check for signs of wear, fatigue, damage, and leaks. This includes but is not limited to the crane's structure, lifting components, hydraulic system, electrical system, tires, and boom.
• Monthly inspections: Apart from the weekly inspections, perform detailed inspections, such as checking the conditions of the air pressure and tread of the tires; testing the crane's operations and functions; inspecting the condition of the outrigger pads, among others.
• Quarterly maintenance: Regular lubrication should be given to all moving parts of the crane. Also, clean the crane thoroughly, including the removal of any accumulated dirt, debris, and salt, especially from its undercarriage and boom.
• Yearly maintenance; Depending on the model and manufacturer's recommendations, the user may have to replace specific components in the truck crane, like belts, hoses, and filters. Apart from this, the user may also have to calibrate the overload protection system and the safe load indicator (SLI).

Scenarios

• Construction Projects:

  Truck cranes are widely used in construction projects to lift heavy materials such as steel beams, concrete components, and prefabricated units. Their mobility allows them to be quickly repositioned to different locations within the construction site as needed. The high lifting capacity of truck cranes accommodates various construction demands. The use of truck cranes facilitates efficient construction by expediting the installation process of heavy materials.

• Infrastructure Development:

  Infrastructure development projects such as constructing highways, bridges, airports, and power plants often require the reliable lifting capabilities of truck cranes. Their high capacity and extended reach enable them to handle heavy components that other vehicles cannot. Additionally, the mobility of truck cranes allows them to quickly reposition as needed in large infrastructure development areas.

  For example, in road construction, truck cranes are used to erect bridges and lift road barriers. In bridge construction, they are used to lift bridge beams or precast segments. In airport construction, they are used to install aircraft hangars, control towers, and other airport facilities. In highway construction, they are used to install traffic signals and other highway facilities.

• Logistics and Transport:

  In the logistics and transportation industry, truck cranes are commonly used to transport and offload heavy and oversized cargo, such as industrial equipment, machinery, and prefabricated modules. Their mobility allows them to access transportation paths and unloading sites quickly. The high lifting capacity and reach of truck cranes enable them to handle heavy and large-sized cargo. The use of truck cranes facilitates smooth transportation and streamlined operations.

  For example, in the logistics industry, truck cranes are used to transport heavy equipment from ports to inland destinations. In the heavy industry, they are used to transport large industrial equipment from manufacturing plants to installation sites. In the construction material transportation industry, they are used to transport oversized construction materials (e.g., glass, steel) from ports to construction sites.

• Maintenance and Repair Operations:

  In maintenance and repair operations, truck cranes are widely used in utility repairs, facility maintenance, and equipment repairs. Their mobility allows them to quickly access work sites. The high lifting capacity and extended reach enable them to handle heavy equipment and materials.

  For example, in power utility repairs, truck cranes are used to lift and replace power transmission towers, poles, and transformers. In facility maintenance, they are used to repair and maintain high-rise buildings, oil refineries, and factories. In equipment repair, they are used to replace heavy machinery and production lines.

How to choose truck cranes

• task requirement

  It is important to identify the requirements of the intended lifting task before selecting a truck crane. factors such as the weight and dimensions of the objects that need to be lifted and the height and reach required for the task are crucial to choosing a crane that is well-suited to its task. Selecting a crane whose features perfectly match the requirements of a lifting task will ensure safety and efficiency.

• capacity and performance

  Theatres of operation often present various challenges that can affect the performance of a truck crane. Once the working environment has been determined, it's important to consider the tasks the truck crane will perform. This includes assessing the required capacity (maximum load weight) and performance (maximum height and reach). With this knowledge, one can select a crane that is not only well-equipped for its job but also optimized for success in any given environment.

• type and model

  There are many different kinds of truck cranes, and each is designed for a certain purpose. Consider the most common variants, such as mobile truck cranes, rough-terrain truck cranes, or sticky cranes. Choose from them according to the task the crane will face. Suitable type selection can guarantee the efficiency and safety of equipment use.

• safety and certification

  Using truck cranes requires special attention to safety. Choose a truck crane that complies with safety standards and certifications. These may include features like load moment indicators, anti-collision systems, or emergency stop mechanisms. Safety is prioritized to protect operators and workers from accidents and tragedies.

• equipment maintenance and after-sales

  Choose a truck crane with accessible maintenance services and good after-sales support. Check if there are authorized service centers and spare parts supply in the area. A truck crane that can be well-maintained and supported after-sales is crucial to its long-term reliability and performance.

• budget and cost-effectiveness

  Budget and cost-effectiveness are important considerations when selecting a truck crane. Apart from the initial purchase cost, one should also consider the factors that affect the truck crane's operating costs, such as fuel consumption, maintenance costs, and resale value. Look for a truck crane that offers a good balance between performance and cost.

Truck crane FAQ

Q1: What is the difference between a crane and a truck?

A1: A truck crane is a fusion of a crane machine and a truck. The truck serves as the base and means of transportation, while the crane performs the lifting tasks. Hence, the truck crane is able to transport itself and heavy loads.

Q2: How does a truck crane work?

A2: The truck crane works by using its three basic components: the base, the boom, and the hydraulic system. The base of the truck crane is fixed, allowing the crane to maintain its stability during operations. The next step is to utilize the hydraulic system to support the base and level the ground. Finally, the boom is controlled to carry and move the items.

Q3: Are truck cranes environmentally friendly?

A3: Truck cranes are not friendly to the environment, as they emit CO2 and other greenhouse gases that affect air quality. However, there are mobile cranes powered by electricity that help reduce environmental pollution.

Q4: What are the recent trends in truck crane technology?

A4: Recent developments in truck crane technology have produced intelligent mobile cranes that can be connected to the Internet of Things (IoT). This allows users to monitor the status and operation of the truck crane remotely via a smartphone or electronic device.