2. Both vehicles furnish a way to lift heavy material attached to
long arms that make moving easier; however, there are
certain differences between the two that affect load limits, lift
methods, and job suitability. This commercial equipment is
basically long arms that run on either hydraulics, steel
cables, or chains. They do all the lifting whatever the model straight, stick, telescoping, or articulating. The main
differences is usually with allowable weight limits, ability to
get from one place to another, and the amount of space
required to be used correctly. In almost every case, the size
of the load limit that can be carried is directly proportionate
to the size of the vehicle due to a crane's tendency to tip
when overloaded.
3. Telescopic Boom Trucks - This is probably the most familiar
version of the crane truck, outfitted with a straight,
telescoping arm that collapses within itself to store at the
rear of the vehicle or over the top of the cab. Fully
extended, the boom is made of extensions that
telescope out to the desired length and then collapse
into itself to make job site relocation very feasible - as
opposed to stationary cranes that must be moved from
one work site to another. They come in different sizes
and varying load capacities, ranging from light industrial
such as a public utilities truck to heavy industrial units on
tracks for easy maneuvering around construction sites.
4. Knuckleboom Trucks - A newer version of the crane family,
knuckleboom trucks improve upon the idea of
telescoping booms with a folding arm known as a
knuckle or articulating boom to improve portability. The
lifting arm folds down for more compact storage, unfolds
for use, and includes an end section that either extends
or telescopes to reach desired heights. It can swivel and
is generally much more flexible at working in and around
job site obstacles as well as in smaller working areas.
Limited by vehicle base size, smaller knuckleboom
trucks are often found in light industrial applications,
while heavy-duty versions are found working as
unloaders and material lifts at construction sites,
warehouses, piers and more.
5. Stick or Straight Boom Cranes - These are the heaviest lifting
machines of all the different versions, usually found only at
construction sites and other areas where very heavy lifting is
done in more open spaces. Commonly seen as huge trucks
with either giant balloon tires or tracks, these cranes can get
from place to place, although it is usually slowly and not very
efficiently and many times having to be loaded onto trailers for
more convenient transport. Since the crane arm is straight,
non-articulating, and non-telescoping, this machine's sole
purpose is brute power. The unit itself must be positioned
exactly where the crane needs to lift, as opposed to the other
types that allow for boom positioning relative to where the truck
is parked. Having been built onto much larger vehicles and run
with chains, cables and other more fixed methods, a straight
crane has a much greater lifting capability.
