Understanding Knuckle Boom Crane Trucks and Their Uses

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An orange boom lift positioned outdoors beside a brick building in an urban setting.
Credit: pexels.com, An orange boom lift positioned outdoors beside a brick building in an urban setting.

Knuckle boom crane trucks are versatile machines used for a variety of tasks, including lifting heavy loads and navigating tight spaces.

Their boom is the most distinctive feature, allowing the crane to swing and lift loads with precision.

These trucks are often used in construction, industrial, and utility settings, where their ability to reach high areas and maneuver in tight spaces is essential.

They typically consist of a truck chassis, a boom, and a counterweight, which work together to provide a stable and powerful lifting system.

What Is a Knuckle Boom Crane Truck?

A knuckle boom crane truck is a category of truck-mounted equipment used for lifting heavy loads. It's designed to be lightweight and highly maneuverable.

The long arm part of a knuckle boom crane truck is called the crane boom, which stretches into the sky to reach high areas. All cranes have a boom, and the construction and length of the boom determine the crane's structural reach and capacity.

Recommended read: Knuckle Boom Log Loader

Credit: youtube.com, What is a knuckle boom crane?

Knuckle boom crane trucks can perform work at the boom tip with a wide range of attachments, making them versatile and useful for various tasks. They're often used in construction, manufacturing, and other industries where heavy loads need to be lifted.

The knuckle boom part of the crane is what allows it to move and bend, giving it a wide range of motion and flexibility. This is especially useful in tight spaces or when working with heavy or oversized loads.

Types of Knuckle Boom Crane Trucks

Telescopic boom truck cranes are a type of knuckle boom crane truck available directly from the factory.

Altec Telescopic Boom Truck Cranes are available direct from the factory, working directly with the manufacturer in all aspects of the product.

Factory direct sales mean you're working with the manufacturer's dedicated sales manager, talented design engineers, and service specialists every step of the way.

Altec tests the unit thoroughly to ensure the crane meets all safety requirements, including compliance with ASME B30.5.

All Altec Boom Truck Cranes comply with ASME B30.5.

Intriguing read: Telescopic Jib Crane

Features and Options

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Knuckle boom crane trucks are designed with precision and safety in mind. They offer a range of control systems, including industry-leading options that provide smooth operations and ultimate efficiency.

HIAB control systems, for instance, allow simultaneous movements and offer reliability and ease of use. This results in increased capacity and the highest level of safety and precision.

JOMAC offers several truck knuckle boom crane mounting configurations, including a worm gear rotation system that allows for rear-corner mounting. This is a key advantage over rack and pinion setups, which do not permit rear-corner mounting.

Our mobile cranes come standard with a 30 ft. remote control pendant, while optional upgrades include an index finger trigger actuator and a radio remote control. The radio remote control provides completely free range of motion for an operator and is FCC approved.

Some of the key features of Altec cranes include the LMAP System, outrigger boom interlocks, and outrigger controls at ground level. These features help owners and operators comply with OSHA crane standards and provide a safe working environment.

Credit: youtube.com, PALFINGER Truck Walkaround: Knuckle Boom Crane for Arborists

Knuckle boom cranes offer numerous advantages, including an articulated design, fast load cycles, compact size, extended reach and lifting capabilities, versatility and adaptability, ease of transportation, and improved safety compared to traditional cranes.

Here are some of the key highlights of a PALFINGER crane:

  • The functional design
  • KTL – cathodic dip painting
  • PALSOFT
  • Turntable bearing
  • AOS – active oscillation suppression
  • Low maintenance extension system
  • HPLS – high power lifting system

Semi Automatic Folding

Semi Automatic Folding simplifies the stowing process, reducing it to a single-lever operation, protecting the knuckle boom crane and the knuckle boom truck from damage. This feature is a game-changer for operators who need to frequently fold and unfold their crane.

Semi Automatic Folding (SAF) is a feature offered by HIAB, which allows a single lever operation to fold and unfold the crane. This greatly simplifies the routine operating task.

By using Semi Automatic Folding, operators can save time and reduce fatigue, as they no longer need to manually fold and unfold the crane. This is especially useful in industries where cranes are used extensively, such as construction, mining, and marine.

Credit: youtube.com, Hiab Crane Semi Automatic Folding Feature

Here are some key benefits of Semi Automatic Folding:

  • Reduces stowing time
  • Protects the crane and truck from damage
  • Simplifies the folding and unfolding process

This feature is a great option for anyone looking to increase efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. By investing in a crane with Semi Automatic Folding, operators can enjoy a smoother and more productive workflow.

Advanced Engineering

Altec cranes are designed with safety in mind, featuring integral safety features that help owners and operators comply with the latest OSHA crane standards.

These features include the LMAP (Load Moment and Area Protection) System, which ensures safe lifting and movement of loads. Outrigger Boom Interlocks prevent the boom from being extended while the outriggers are retracted, reducing the risk of accidents.

Outrigger controls are conveniently located at ground level for easy access and control. An optional Front Entrance Enclosed Cab provides a safe and comfortable working environment for operators. The optional Dual Entry Cab is standard on certain models, offering even more flexibility.

Winch Drum Rotation Indicators show the direction of the winch drum rotation, helping operators avoid potential hazards. An Emergency Stop at Operator Controls allows operators to quickly stop the crane in case of an emergency. The Anti-Two Block Device prevents the crane from lifting two loads at the same time, reducing the risk of accidents.

Construction worker on an elevated boom lift at a construction site, bright day.
Credit: pexels.com, Construction worker on an elevated boom lift at a construction site, bright day.

Other advanced features include a 2-Man Steel Platform, which provides a safe working area for operators. Altec Opti-View Riding Seat Control Stations offer a comfortable and ergonomic control experience. Winch control is also available at the load hook stow point for added convenience.

The State-of-the-Art Powder Coat Paint Process ensures a durable and long-lasting finish on all Altec cranes. Out-and-Down Outriggers provide stability and support during lifting operations. 1-Piece and 2-Piece Jibs are also available, offering flexibility and customization options for operators.

Here are some of the advanced engineering features of Altec cranes:

  • LMAP (Load Moment and Area Protection) System
  • Outrigger Boom Interlocks
  • Outrigger Controls at Ground Level
  • Optional Front Entrance Enclosed Cab
  • Optional Dual Entry Cab (Standard on AC40-152S and AC45-127S)
  • Winch Drum Rotation Indicators
  • Emergency Stop at Operator Controls
  • Anti-Two Block Device
  • Backup Alarm
  • 2-Man Steel Platform
  • Altec Opti-View Riding Seat Control Stations
  • Winch Control at Load Hook Stow Point
  • Out-and-Down Outriggers
  • State-of-the-Art Powder Coat Paint Process
  • 1-Piece and 2-Piece Jibs

Low Maintenance Extension

The low maintenance extension system is a game-changer for operators. It's designed to be service-friendly, making it easier to use and maintain.

The use of special synthetic material for the sliding elements means they have self-lubricating properties. No further servicing is required after the initial lubrication.

Food-grade grease is used for the initial lubrication, and that's it. No need to worry about re-greasing the boom system.

The slide rails, slide blocks, and other elements operate without grease. They have a secondary function as adjustment and guiding elements.

Special synthetic materials are also used for the paint to protect against corrosion. This adds an extra layer of protection to the system.

What Are the Advantages of?

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The advantages of a knuckle boom crane are numerous. These versatile machines offer an articulated design, fast load cycles, and compact size, making them ideal for a variety of industries.

One of the key benefits of a knuckle boom crane is its extended reach and lifting capabilities. This allows operators to access and lift heavy loads with ease, making it a valuable asset for industries such as general construction and heavy hauling transport.

Knuckle boom cranes are also known for their ease of transportation and maneuverability. They're lighter than stiffboom cranes and can be mounted in various locations, including behind the truck cab or at the rear of the deck.

Some of the key highlights of a PALFINGER crane include its functional design, KTL cathodic dip painting, and low maintenance extension system. These features make PALFINGER cranes a popular choice among industries such as general cartage and heavy hauling transport.

You might like: Jib Crane Design

Credit: youtube.com, CH16 Advantages of Options

Here are some of the various industries that benefit from using knuckle boom cranes:

  • General cartage and heavy hauling transport
  • General and industrial construction
  • Building material handling
  • Roofing and truss handling
  • Precast and concrete form handling
  • Oil and gas applications
  • Landscape applications
  • Marine applications (including barge- and dock-mounted cranes)
  • Industrial maintenance and repair

Overall, the advantages of a knuckle boom crane make it a valuable asset for any industry that requires heavy lifting and maneuverability.

Optimizing Operations

Using a knuckle boom crane can greatly simplify operations, especially when it comes to loading and unloading heavy materials.

The articulated design of a knuckle boom crane allows for fast load cycles, making it an efficient choice for many applications.

This design also enables the crane to be compact in size, which makes it easier to transport and maneuver in tight spaces.

Extended reach and lifting capabilities are also key benefits of using a knuckle boom crane, allowing you to access and lift heavy materials with ease.

Semi Automatic Folding (SAF) takes it a step further by simplifying the stowing process to a single-lever operation, protecting the crane and truck from damage.

Improved safety is another major advantage of using a knuckle boom crane, compared to traditional cranes.

Consider reading: Jib Crane Design Drawings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a boom truck and a knuckle boom?

Boom trucks and knuckle booms are both crane types, but they differ in their lifting capabilities and maneuverability: boom trucks are ideal for heavy loads over long distances, while knuckle booms are better suited for larger loads on-site

Who makes knuckle boom cranes in the US?

JOMAC manufactures high-quality knuckle boom cranes in the US, using 100% American-made parts and labor. Their Ohio headquarters is where these cranes are designed and built.

What is the difference between a knuckle boom crane and a stiff boom crane?

A knuckle boom crane has more articulating points, allowing it to move like a human arm and pick materials in an optimal way. In contrast, a stiff boom crane can only lift materials up and down using a hydraulic winch.

Violet Bos

Lead Writer

Violet Bos is a prolific writer with an insatiable curiosity about the world. She has lived in multiple countries and has traveled extensively, which has given her a unique perspective on life. Her writing focuses on topics that are close to her heart, including travel, wellness, and personal development.

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