Crane Truck serve as essential equipment across a spectrum of industries, spanning from construction to logistics and beyond. These adaptable machines seamlessly integrate the mobility of trucks with the lifting capabilities of cranes, addressing the need for robust lifting operations in dynamic settings.
Within this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricacies of truck cranes, elucidating their functionalities, diverse applications, and the prevailing market landscape. Furthermore, we offer insights into top-tier brands within the industry, empowering decision-makers with the knowledge necessary to select dependable and efficient truck crane solutions.
Whether you are a seasoned industry professional or new to the field, acquiring a nuanced understanding of truck cranes and their foremost manufacturers is indispensable for navigating the challenges of contemporary work environments.
What is Crane Truck?
A crane truck, often referred to as a boom truck, is a specialized transport vehicle equipped with an integrated crane mechanism designed for efficient loading and unloading of bulky goods. Its unique design eliminates the need for additional machinery to perform these tasks.
In addition to its primary function as a transporter, the crane truck possesses the ability to elevate cargo to considerable heights. This capability, coupled with its sturdy construction, enables the crane truck to lift substantial loads such as heavy steel or concrete structures safely, mitigating the risk of structural failure or collapse.
The Main Characteristics of A Crane Truck
Crane trucks, despite their variety, share several common characteristics:
- Drive System: They typically feature either two or four-wheel drive, utilizing tires or tracks for traction.
- Power Capacity: With lifting capacities exceeding 350 horsepower, these trucks often require a secondary engine to operate the crane effectively.
- Reach: The crane arm can extend up to 25 meters in height, providing considerable lifting capability.
- Placement: The crane is commonly mounted at the rear of the truck chassis, although certain models may integrate it within the cab.
- Utilization: Predominantly employed in construction and logistics sectors, crane trucks excel in transporting and hoisting large containers.
- Safety Measures: Operating a crane truck mandates adherence to a comprehensive set of safety protocols, ensuring the well-being of operators and personnel.
Types of Crane Trucks
Crane trucks are categorized based on their distinct characteristics and operational purposes. Among the commonly recognized types are:
- Hydrocrane: This type of truck features an articulated hydraulic crane engineered to facilitate the transportation, stabilization, elevation, and placement of various loads.
- Sidelifter Crane Truck (Sideload Truck): Equipped with a lifting spreader attachment, this truck is capable of securely hooking, hoisting, and lowering containers onto the vehicle.
- Telescopic Crane Truck: Characterized by its mobility, this type of crane truck is well-suited for tasks requiring precise lifting, maneuvering, and extension to different radial distances. It boasts efficiency and swiftness in its operational movements.
- Articulated Crane Truck: Distinguished by a rotating column, this category typically comprises commercial vehicles renowned for their robustness and high load-bearing capacities. The crane is strategically mounted on these vehicles to facilitate diverse lifting operations.
The Top 10 Best Crane Companies in the World
When faced with the requirement to elevate and relocate heavy objects, cranes emerge as indispensable tools. Utilizing a pulley system, cranes effectively redistribute force in varied directions to facilitate the lifting and lowering of loads.
The crane landscape encompasses numerous varieties, each tailored to specific functions and applications. For instance, carry deck cranes find utility in moderate material handling tasks, while tower cranes are pivotal in the construction of large-scale structures.
Given the multifaceted demands they address, the crane industry exhibits substantial breadth. If navigating the array of available crane options feels daunting, this guide serves as a valuable resource.
Within, we delineate the world’s leading crane manufacturing companies, ranking them based on total crane revenue, and expound upon the range of crane types they offer.
1. Xuzhou Heavy Machinery Co., Ltd (XCMG)
XCMG, headquartered in Xuzhou, China, is a prominent Chinese construction machinery company with a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1943. Specializing in the manufacturing of machinery for various applications such as roadwork, mining, and concrete work, XCMG has secured its position as the third-largest construction company globally.
A standout offering from XCMG is its high-powered, all-terrain 1,200-ton telescopic crane, renowned for its utilization of a global self-folding special boom, driven by wind power.
Key Details:
- Headquarters: Xuzhou, China
- Founded: 1943
- Total revenue from cranes: $5.66 billion
- Website: XCMG Official Website
Highlighted Crane Models:
- XGC88000: Crawler crane, with a maximum load capacity of 3600 tons and a maximum boom length of 120 meters.
- XLC 220: Crawler crane, capable of lifting up to 220 tons with a maximum boom length of 83 meters.
- XCR120: Rough terrain crane, offering a maximum load capacity of 120 tons and a maximum boom length of 50 meters.
- XCT50Y: Telescopic crane, featuring a maximum load capacity of 50 tons and a maximum boom length of 43.3 meters.
- XGC45: Crawler crane, designed to lift loads up to 45 tons with a maximum boom length of 37 meters.
2. Zoomlion
Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. is a leading developer of equipment across multiple sectors, encompassing construction, engineering, and agriculture. Headquartered in Changsha, China, the company boasts a global presence with branches established in over 40 countries worldwide.
In 2022, Zoomlion made headlines with the introduction of the ZAT24000H, an all-terrain crane distinguished by its record-breaking hoisting capacity, making it the crane with the highest tonnage capacity in the world.
Key Details:
- Headquarters: Changsha, China
- Founded in: 1992
- Total revenue from cranes: $5.45 billion
- Website: Zoomlion Official Website
Highlighted Crane Models:
- ZTC1100R: Telescopic crane with a maximum load capacity of 121 tons and a maximum boom length of 58.5 meters.
- ZCT900V: Crawler crane capable of lifting loads up to 90 tons, featuring a maximum boom length of 47 meters.
- ZRT600E532: Rough terrain crane offering a maximum load capacity of 66 tons with a maximum boom length of 45 meters.
- ZRT400V432: Rough terrain crane with a maximum load capacity of 44 tons and a maximum boom length of 33 meters.
- R370-20RB: Tower crane designed to handle loads up to 20 tons with a towering maximum boom length of 80 meters.
3. Liebherr
Liebherr, a Swiss manufacturer headquartered in Bulle, Switzerland, has been a key player in the industry since its establishment in 1949. Renowned for its heavy-duty offshore cranes, exemplified by the CAL 64000 model, Liebherr specializes in a broad spectrum of cargo handling equipment, including floating cranes, as well as crane parts and accessories.
Key Details:
- Headquarters: Bulle, Switzerland
- Founded in: 1949
- Total revenue from cranes: $4.33 billion
- Website: Liebherr Official Website
Highlighted Crane Models:
- CAL 64000: A floating crane boasting a maximum load capacity of 1,200 tons and a maximum boom length of 108 meters.
- LTM 1750-9.1: A telescopic crane with an impressive maximum load capacity of 800 tons and a maximum boom length of 52 meters.
- LR 1110: A crawler crane offering a maximum load capacity of 110 tons and a maximum boom length of 71 meters.
- LRT 1090-2.1: A rough terrain crane capable of lifting loads up to 90 tons with a maximum boom length of 47 meters.
- 85 EC-B 5 FR: A tower crane with a load capacity of 5.5 tons, although the maximum boom length is not applicable (N/A).
4. Konecranes PLC
Konecranes PLC is a leading provider of overhead cranes, offering a diverse range of variations including rope hoists, chain hoists, portable, gantry, and wall-mounted console cranes. These cranes are equipped with advanced features such as sway control and target positioning, which significantly enhance safety and productivity during operation.
Key Details:
- Headquarters: Hyvinkää, Finland
- Founded in: 1994
- Total revenue from cranes: $3.73 billion
- Website: Konecranes Official Website
Highlighted Crane Models:
- SM1208 (M3 Duty Class): Overhead crane with a maximum load capacity of 200 tons. Boom length information not applicable.
- R-1 Rotating portal woodyard crane: Overhead crane designed for woodyard applications, capable of lifting up to 14 tons with a maximum boom length of 61 meters.
- LB-1 Log boom woodyard crane: Overhead crane specialized for log handling in woodyard settings, with a maximum load capacity of 14 tons and a maximum boom length of 56 meters.
- CXT Gantry crane: Overhead crane with a maximum load capacity of 12.5 tons. Boom length information not available.
- CXT Explorer: Overhead crane featuring a maximum load capacity of 5 tons and a compact 5-meter boom length, suitable for various industrial applications.
5. Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd (ZPMC)
Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shanghai, China, is a leading figure in the crane industry, renowned for their expertise in steel-structure, large-scale container cranes.
Established in 1992, the company has solidified its position as a prominent player, specializing in the production of ship-to-shore gantry cranes to cater to the growing demand for large-scale container handling across various industries.
Key Details:
- Headquarters: Shanghai, China
- Founded: 1992
- Total revenue from cranes: $3.44 billion
- Website: ZPMC Official Website
Specialization: Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. is particularly recognized for its steel-structure, large-scale container cranes, which are in high demand globally. These cranes are crucial for efficient handling of containers in ports worldwide.
Global Presence: The company’s reach extends across more than 100 countries, supplying their equipment to meet the diverse needs of port facilities globally. Their cranes are often delivered to ports and assembled on-site, offering tailored solutions to each location.
Notable Statistics:
- As of 2007, approximately 50% of the existing 4,000 container cranes worldwide were supplied by Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd.
- In the United States, ZPMC cranes dominate the market, constituting nearly 80% of the ship-to-shore cranes in operation.
Operational Technology:
ZPMC cranes are operated using sophisticated Chinese-made software, ensuring efficient and reliable performance in container handling operations.
6. SANY Heavy Equipment Co., Ltd.
SANY, recognized as the world’s third-largest engineering machinery manufacturer, offers an extensive array of construction machinery, spanning excavators, road equipment, cranes, and various other machines.
One of SANY’s remarkable achievements is the SANY SCC9800TM, which holds the distinction of having the largest lifting capacity among mobile cranes on record, boasting a maximum lifting capacity of over 98,000 metric tons.
Key Details:
- Headquarters: Changsha, China
- Founded in: 1989
- Total revenue from cranes: $3.43 billion
- Website: SANY Global Website
Highlighted Crane Models:
- SCE1350A-EV: Crawler crane, capable of lifting loads up to 135 tons, with a maximum boom length of 76 meters.
- STC600C5: Telescopic crane, featuring a maximum load capacity of 60 tons and a maximum boom length of 45.5 meters.
- SFT1100 (T80108-50): Tower crane with a load capacity of 50 tons, specific boom length not available.
- SRC500T: Rough terrain crane, offering a load capacity of 50 tons and a maximum boom length of 45 meters.
- SPS8000: Truck-mounted crane, designed to lift loads up to 3.6 tons, with a maximum boom length of 10.4 meters.
7. Cargotec
Cargotec is structured around three distinct companies: Macgregor, Hiab, and Kalmar. Each entity specializes in the development of equipment tailored for specific environments.
Macgregor focuses on manufacturing floating cranes and associated equipment, while Hiab specializes in truck-mounted cranes designed for a variety of applications such as forestry, construction, and roadwork. Kalmar’s expertise lies in producing overhead cranes, ship-to-shore cranes, and forklift trucks tailored for the cargo industry.
Key Details:
- Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
- Founded in: 2005
- Total revenue from cranes: $2.52 billion
- Website: Cargotec Official Website
Highlighted Crane Models:
- HIAB X-CLX 328 EP-2: Truck-mounted crane with a maximum load capacity of 30.3 tons and a maximum boom length of 8 meters.
- HIAB X-HiPro 232 E-3: Truck-mounted crane capable of lifting up to 19 tons with a maximum boom length of 10.6 meters.
- HIAB iX.142 HIPRO B-2: Truck-mounted crane offering a maximum load capacity of 13.6 tons and a maximum boom length of 8.8 meters.
- HIAB X-DUO 128: Truck-mounted crane with a maximum load capacity of 12.4 tons and an extended boom length of 15.1 meters.
- LOGLIFT 18Z: Truck-mounted crane featuring a maximum load capacity of 5.5 tons and a maximum boom length of 10.4 meters.
8. Manitowoc Cranes
Manitowoc, an American crane manufacturer headquartered in Wisconsin, USA, stands as a leading provider of mobile cranes worldwide. Offering a diverse range of crane solutions, Manitowoc specializes in rough terrain, all-terrain, truck-mounted, military, industrial, and telescoping crawler cranes.
Two notable variations of tower cranes manufactured by Manitowoc include the self-erecting crane and the top-slewing crane. The self-erecting crane, characterized by its stationary nature, easy installation process, and remote controllability, is well-suited for smaller job sites with space constraints.
In contrast, the top-slewing crane is ideal for large industrial projects requiring high lifting capacities at considerable heights, particularly in sites with elevated or expansive layouts.
Key Details:
- Headquarters: Wisconsin, USA
- Founded in: 1902
- Total revenue from cranes: $1.7 billion
- Website: Manitowoc Cranes Official Website
Highlighted Crane Models:
- GMK3060-2: Telescopic crane boasting a maximum load capacity of 60 tons and a maximum boom length of 40 meters.
- GHC50: Crawler crane with a maximum load capacity of 45 tons and a maximum boom length of 30.4 meters.
- TSM500-2: Truck-mounted crane featuring a maximum load capacity of 36.3 tons and a maximum boom length of 29 meters.
- RT530E-2: Rough terrain crane designed to lift loads up to 30 tons with a maximum boom length of 29 meters.
- GCD15: Carrydeck crane offering a maximum load capacity of 13.6 tons and a maximum boom length of 15.4 meters.
9. Tadano
Tadano, headquartered in Kagawa, Japan, is a renowned Japanese company specializing in the production of a diverse range of cranes tailored to various terrains, applications, and scenarios.
Notably, their rough-terrain crane stands out, often employed in large processing plants. Tadano’s mobile cranes hold a significant market share, constituting 56% of the total demand in North America.
Key Details:
- Headquarters: Kagawa, Japan
- Founded in: 1948
- Total revenue from cranes: $1.63 billion
- Website: Tadano Official Website
Highlighted Crane Models:
- AC 9.700-1: Telescopic crane with a maximum load capacity of 800 tons and a maximum boom length of 60 meters.
- GTC-1600: Crawler crane offering a maximum load capacity of 160 tons with a maximum boom length of 61 meters.
- AC 3.055-1: Telescopic crane with a maximum load capacity of 60 tons and a maximum boom length of 50 meters.
- GTC-550: Crawler crane with a maximum load capacity of 55 tons and a maximum boom length of 34.5 meters.
- GR-350XL: Rough terrain crane capable of lifting loads up to 35 tons, with a maximum boom length of 31 meters.
10. Palfinger
Palfinger, headquartered in Salzburg, Austria, stands as a premier global manufacturer of truck equipment, with a primary focus on truck-mounted cranes.
Renowned for their expertise in hydraulic knuckle boom cranes, these cranes constitute the cornerstone of Palfinger’s product portfolio, offering unparalleled versatility and maneuverability due to their unique folding booms resembling a finger.
Key Details:
- Headquarters: Salzburg, Austria
- Founded in: 1932
- Total revenue from cranes: $1.12 billion
- Website: Palfinger Official Website
Highlighted Crane Models:
- PK 135.002 TEC 7: Truck-mounted crane with a maximum load capacity of 33.1 tons and a maximum boom length of 34.7 meters.
- PK 78002 SH High Performance: Truck-mounted crane capable of lifting loads up to 27.6 tons, with a maximum boom length of 25.1 meters.
- PK 32080: Truck-mounted crane with a maximum load capacity of 9.4 tons and a maximum boom length of 24.9 meters.
- PK 7.501 SLD 5: Truck-mounted crane offering a maximum load capacity of 3.6 tons and a maximum boom length of 12.9 meters.
- PC I500 Compact: Truck-mounted crane designed for smaller loads, with a maximum load capacity of 1.1 tons and a maximum boom length of 4.2 meters.
How to Choose the Right Crane Truck
When selecting the appropriate crane for your project, it’s crucial to consider various factors tailored to your specific needs and project scope. Here are key considerations to keep in mind:
- Jobsite Assessment: Evaluate the characteristics of your jobsite to ensure compatibility with the chosen crane. For instance, if your project is near a shoreline, opting for a floating crane or gantry crane might be optimal. Similarly, rough terrain sites may necessitate the use of rough-terrain cranes for enhanced stability.
- Height and Lifting Capacity Requirements: Determine the lifting capacity and height specifications essential for your project. Some cranes, such as the SANY SCC9800TM, boast remarkable lifting capacities of up to 4,500 tons, while others are tailored for lighter loads. Identifying these requirements is fundamental in selecting a crane with matching capabilities.
- Mobile vs. Fixed Cranes: Understand the distinction between mobile and fixed cranes. Fixed cranes typically excel in carrying and hoisting heavier materials, whereas mobile cranes offer greater portability and maneuverability. While mobile cranes may have limitations in height and lifting capacity, their mobility makes them advantageous in various settings.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Crane?
The rental cost for a crane is determined by various factors, including geographical location, rental duration, crane type, prevailing market conditions, and the crane’s lifting capacity.
Typically, smaller mobile cranes may have rental rates starting as low as $200 per day, while larger tower cranes could command rates of around $10,000 per day. These rates fluctuate based on the aforementioned variables and may vary from region to region.
FAQs about Crane Truck
What is a crane truck?
A crane truck, also known as a truck-mounted crane or a boom truck, is a specialized vehicle equipped with a crane mounted on a truck chassis. It combines the mobility of a truck with the lifting capabilities of a crane, allowing for versatile lifting and loading operations in various industries.
What are the typical applications of crane trucks?
Crane trucks are used across a wide range of industries for tasks such as construction, infrastructure development, utilities maintenance, material handling, and emergency response. They are commonly employed for lifting and moving heavy equipment, materials, and structures at construction sites, warehouses, ports, and other job sites.
How do crane trucks operate?
Crane trucks are operated by trained professionals who use hydraulic controls to extend, raise, lower, and rotate the crane’s boom and lift loads. The crane’s controls are typically located either on the truck’s chassis or on a remote control unit for increased flexibility and precision.
What types of cranes are mounted on crane trucks?
Crane trucks can be equipped with various types of cranes, including telescopic cranes, knuckle boom cranes, and lattice boom cranes. The type of crane mounted on a truck depends on factors such as lifting capacity, reach, and specific application requirements.
What are the advantages of using crane trucks?
Some advantages of using crane trucks include increased mobility and flexibility compared to stationary cranes, the ability to access hard-to-reach areas, faster setup and teardown times, and the convenience of having a self-contained lifting solution on a single vehicle.
What safety precautions should be followed when operating a crane truck?
Safety is paramount when operating crane trucks. Operators should undergo proper training and certification, conduct pre-operational inspections of the equipment, adhere to weight limits and load capacities, use appropriate rigging and lifting techniques, and follow all relevant safety regulations and guidelines.
How do I choose the right crane truck for my needs?
When selecting a crane truck, consider factors such as lifting capacity, reach, maneuverability, terrain conditions, required accessories and attachments, and the reputation of the manufacturer or brand.
Consulting with industry experts and conducting a thorough assessment of your specific lifting requirements can help you make an informed decision.
What are some reputable brands of crane trucks?
Some well-known manufacturers of crane trucks include Terex, Manitex, Tadano, Liebherr, Hiab, and Palfinger, among others. These brands are recognized for their quality, reliability, and innovative technologies in the crane industry.
