The construction industry is projected to be worth $2.7 trillion in 2023. With the expected growth in the key verticals we support, including non-residential building, infrastructure, and industrial, the demand for crane rental is likely to increase this year and for years to come.
There’s a lot to consider when renting a crane for a construction, industrial, or civil infrastructure projects.
You need to think about the nature of the project, your lifting requirements and distribution needs, your budget, and site conditions. If you’re working in a site that’s difficult to access, your needs will be different than they would be on a high-rise job site in the heart of a city.
In many of these applications, truck cranes can be the go-to machine to support these types of projects and job sites. This article explores the differences between hydraulic truck cranes and boom trucks so you can get a better understanding of which one is right for your project.
Why Do You Need a Truck Crane?
In industrial settings, truck cranes are used to lift and move heavy equipment and machinery. They are commonly used in manufacturing facilities to lift and position large industrial components such as engines, turbines, and generators or for loading and unloading materials from trucks to railcars.
Truck cranes are often considered a necessity on job sites due to their versatility and ability to lift and move heavy loads quickly and efficiently. Here are some reasons why truck cranes are essential on job sites:
- Lifting capacity: Truck cranes have a high lifting capacity, which makes them ideal for lifting and moving heavy objects that cannot be handled manually. They can lift loads that weigh several tons and transport them to the desired location.
- Mobility: Truck cranes can move around the job site easily, making them suitable for use in different locations. They are mounted on trucks, which means they can be driven to different sites and easily positioned for lifting and moving operations.
- Height and reach: Truck cranes have an impressive height and reach, making them ideal for lifting and moving materials to high or hard-to-reach areas. They can reach over buildings, bridges, and other obstacles, making them versatile for use in different settings..
Overall, truck cranes are considered a necessity on job sites due to their lifting capacity, mobility, height and reach, time-saving capabilities, and safety features. They are essential for lifting and moving heavy loads and can help to make job sites more efficient and safer.
Types of Truck Cranes
Truck cranes are versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications, making them a valuable asset for construction, industrial, and infrastructure projects.
If you’re in need of a truck crane for your next project, consider these two main types:
Hydraulic Truck Crane
A hydraulic truck crane is a mobile crane you can use for heavy loads across multiple heavy lifting applications. A hydraulic truck crane is a type of mobile crane that uses hydraulic systems to operate the crane’s boom, cable, and hook.
Hydraulic truck cranes are mounted on a truck chassis and are designed to be mobile and flexible in terms of reaching and lifting heavy loads. The hydraulic systems allow for precise control over the crane’s movements, making them ideal for lifting and positioning heavy loads in tight spaces.
They are commonly used in the construction of non-residential buildings such as office buildings, hospitals, and schools. They are used to lift and position heavy building components such as steel beams, concrete forms, and roofing materials into place. They are also used to lift and move heavy equipment and machinery around the construction site.
Hydraulic truck cranes are also used in infrastructure construction, such as the construction of bridges, highways, and tunnels. They are used to lift and position large concrete sections and other heavy materials into place. Hydraulic truck cranes are also used to install and maintain streetlights, traffic signals, and other types of infrastructure.
Hydraulic truck cranes are an essential piece of equipment in the construction industry, allowing for the safe and efficient movement of heavy loads. They offer precise control and are ideal for use in tight spaces, making them a valuable asset for construction projects of all types and sizes.
Boom Truck
A boom truck is a type of truck with a hydraulic crane that is either mounted or fixed onto a commercial truck’s chassis on the truck’s rear axle, on the rear of a flatbed, or on a fifth-wheel tractor. Unlike hydraulic truck cranes, some boom trucks don’t have counterweights as there are little to no tail swings.
This type of mobile crane features a hydraulically operated articulated arm, or boom, with a cable and hook system. The boom is made up of multiple segments that can be folded and extended, giving the crane a high degree of flexibility and maneuverability.
Boom truck cranes are particularly useful in industrial settings because of their flexibility and maneuverability. Boom trucks are often used in building construction projects to lift and place materials such as steel beams, precast concrete panels, and HVAC units. They can be especially useful in projects where space is limited, as they are more maneuverable than larger cranes.
Boom truck cranes are a versatile and essential piece of equipment in the construction industry.
They offer precise control and maneuverability, making them ideal for a wide range of construction tasks. Their ability to fold and extend their boom segments allows them to access difficult-to-reach areas and makes them a valuable asset for construction projects of all types and sizes.
How Is A Boom Truck Different From a Hydraulic Truck Crane?
It can be tricky to figure out if you need a boom truck or a hydraulic truck crane and people often use the terms interchangeably.
Hydraulic truck cranes are typically heavier, reach higher, and can carry more weight than a boom truck. You would likely use a hydraulic truck crane on a longer job.
Boom trucks are typically smaller, the trucks on which booms are mounted are similar in size to a standard commercial truck. You can drive them more easily and maneuver them into tighter spaces.
How to Know What Truck Crane is Right for Your Project
If you’re planning on renting a piece of equipment for your project, you might be uncertain of which truck crane to use. Consider these factors before signing your rental agreement.
Choosing the right truck crane for your project involves several factors, including the lifting capacity, reach, mobility, and space requirements of the job site.
Here are some steps to help you choose the right truck crane for your project with these main factors in consideration:
Determine your lifting requirements: The first step is to determine the weight of the loads that you need to lift and move on your job site. This will help you determine the lifting capacity of the crane that you need.
Evaluate the reach of the crane: The reach of the crane is another important factor to consider. Determine the maximum height and distance you need to reach.
Consider the mobility of the crane: The mobility of the crane is important if you need to move it around the job site. Consider the size of the job site, the space required for the crane, and any potential obstacles that could limit mobility.
Assess the space requirements: Depending on the size of the job site and the space available, you may need a crane that is more compact in size or has a smaller footprint.
Determine the availability and cost: Make sure the crane you choose is available when you need it, and within your budget.
Know your job duration and specifics: Knowing your job duration and a good idea of the job site’s layout will be important considerations. This will help you choose a truck crane with the footprint and maneuverability you need to complete your project.
Understand the site regulations: Before you rent your crane, check local zoning laws and permit guidelines to see what kind of equipment you can use on the site. Knowing this information upfront will help you pick a truck crane or boom truck that complies with your permits. You won’t have to worry about your project being shut down because you chose a crane that was too big or inappropriate for site conditions.
It’s also a good idea to consult with an experienced crane rental company to help you select the right crane for your specific job site and lifting requirements.
Check Out Maxim Crane Works Truck Crane Selection
At Maxim Crane Works, we offer a wide range of hydraulic truck cranes and boom trucks for your project. We have multiple models capable of carrying the heaviest loads. You can rent your equipment for the duration of the project or buy a crane if you plan on using it for many projects.
Our team consists of experienced professionals who are committed to safety and customer service. We can help you choose the right crane for your project, and we can provide you with an experienced operator for the duration of your lease.
We operate in over 60 locations. Contact us now to get a quote and find the nearest location to you.
