Truck Hitch Mounted Crane for Heavy Lifting on Level Ground

A truck hitch mounted crane is a must-have for anyone who needs to lift heavy loads on level ground. These cranes are designed to be mounted on a truck's hitch, providing a stable and secure platform for lifting heavy objects.

They can lift loads up to 5,000 pounds, making them perfect for tasks like moving heavy equipment or furniture. This is especially useful for contractors, landscapers, and DIYers who need to move heavy materials around a job site.

One of the key benefits of a truck hitch mounted crane is its ease of use. Most cranes come with a simple hydraulic system that makes it easy to lift and lower loads with minimal effort.

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This truck hitch mounted crane I purchased was under $200, a price that would be impossible to match if I were to build it from scratch.

The crane has been a reliable tool for me, and I've been impressed by its ability to get the job done without breaking the bank.

Its compact design makes it easy to store and transport, a major plus for anyone who needs to use it on the go.

It's also worth noting that the crane has a relatively simple setup process, which is a big advantage for those who aren't experienced with heavy equipment.

I've found that the crane's durability is one of its standout features, withstanding regular use over several years without showing any signs of wear and tear.

Overall, the features of this truck hitch mounted crane have made it a valuable addition to my toolkit.

Using a hitch mounted truck crane requires some common sense and attention to safety. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.

Most hitch mounted truck cranes are designed to lift a load and then swivel or swing it into the back of your truck, so it's essential to use on level ground to avoid accidents.

As you're lifting something, it's a good idea to use the support leg(s) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

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Using a hitch mounted truck crane on uneven ground can be a recipe for disaster. Most cranes are designed to lift a load and then swivel or swing it into the back of your truck, but if you're on uneven ground, the load can swing on its own, potentially hitting you or your truck.

Be aware that as soon as the load comes off the ground, it can start swinging wildly. This can be especially true if you're lifting heavy items, like larger firewood pieces.

Lifting heavy loads can also cause your truck's suspension to "squat", making it harder to maneuver and increasing the risk of damage to your truck.

The bottom portion of the truck crane is a crucial component that provides theft resistance when used correctly. I created the bottom portion from 2” square tubing and some round pipe.

It slides into the secondary receiver hitch and has a square opening that aligns with the main receiver. This design allows for easy attachment and detachment of the crane.

Securing the hitch pin with a lock makes both the ball mount and the bottom part of the crane theft resistant. This is a simple yet effective way to prevent unauthorized use or theft.

A hitch mounted truck crane is a great investment for anyone who needs to lift heavy items into their truck. They offer a good value for the price, with many options available on the market.

The price of a hitch mounted crane is a significant factor in the decision-making process. According to one source, a 500-pound rated crane can be purchased for a good value, while a 1000-pound rated crane may also be a good option, depending on your needs.

Loading heavy items into the truck can be a real back-saver with a hitch mounted crane. It takes all the work out of loading the generator for hunt camp or to help a friend who has lost power.

Some cranes also come with swiveling masts, which allow you to pick up the load behind the truck and smoothly swivel it into the back of the truck. This feature would be difficult to replicate in a homemade crane.

Here are some key benefits of a hitch mounted crane:

The XtremepowerUS hitch mounted crane has a rating of 250 pounds in the extended position. This is crucial to know when considering lifting a personal watercraft.

The two lightest PWCs currently made weigh around 300 and 400 pounds, making them well above the crane's rating. The average PWC weighs about 850 pounds.

It's essential to follow the manufacturer's directions, as they are there to ensure safe and proper use of the crane.

The pros of using a hitch crane are numerous. One of the most significant advantages is the price - for around $100, you can get a 500-pound rated crane that's a great value.

With a hitch crane, you can load items by yourself, which is a huge time-saver and a real back saver. This is especially true when you're loading heavy items into the back of your truck with no one around to help.

Preventing injuries is another major benefit of using a hitch crane. I've seen friends and acquaintances hurt themselves loading items in the back of a truck, including back strains and hernias that required surgery.

The swiveling masts on most portable truck cranes make it easy to pick up loads behind the truck and smoothly swivel them into the back of the truck. This feature is particularly useful and would be difficult to replicate with a homemade crane.

Here are some key features to look for in a hitch crane:

Some hitch cranes are heavy, with my own crane weighing in at 50 pounds and some higher-rated cranes exceeding 100 pounds. This weight can make them awkward to handle and transport.

The shape of some cranes can also make them difficult to pick up and carry, like my crane which is not exactly designed for throwing over your shoulder.

Not all cranes are created equal when it comes to mounting options. Some, like the XtremepowerUS crane, mount straight out of the receiver hitch, limiting the space between the crane mast and the side of the pickup box.

This can make it tricky to swing larger items into the truck box, but it's not a deal-breaker. I've been able to load and unload everything I needed to without much trouble.

Hitch cranes have their limits when it comes to lift capacity and range. For example, most would need to have the boom retracted and the support legs down to make a lift like lifting a PWC.

This means you'll need to consider the size and weight of your item and how high it needs to be lifted when doing your research.