Boom Crane Truck / Truck-Mounted Crane – Lifting & Transport Combo

Lift Heavy, Move Smart

CLW GROUP Boom Crane Trucks are built to combine lifting functionality and cargo transport in one rugged vehicle. These trucks feature mounted cranes capable of lifting 2 to 20 tons, making them ideal for construction materials, machinery, and on-site logistics.

Key Features:

✔️ Telescopic and knuckle (folding) boom options
✔️ Lifting capacity from 2 to 20 tons
✔️ Integrated flatbed or cargo box options
✔️ Hydraulic stabilizers and manual/remote controls
✔️ Mounted on trusted chassis: CLW, Dongfeng, Sinotruk, FAW, Isuzu

Whether you’re delivering steel beams or unloading machinery on-site, this truck does both the lifting and hauling — saving time and labor.

Technical specifications:

Boom Crane Truck / Truck-Mounted Crane – Lifting & Transport Combo

Boom crane trucks, commonly referred to as truck-mounted cranes or boom truck cranes, are essential machines used across industries such as construction, infrastructure development, utility work, and logistics. These powerful lifting and transport combo vehicles bring together mobility, lifting strength, and operational efficiency in one platform. Whether it’s a 2-ton compact knuckle boom truck or a large-scale telescopic boom crane, these machines streamline operations on jobsites and ensure safer and faster load handling.

This informational guide covers the full scope of boom truck applications, models, lifting mechanisms, and design considerations for those looking to understand these machines in detail—from capacity and safety to hydraulic configuration and the newest crane models offered by global manufacturers like National Crane and Bob-Lift.

Boom Truck Overview

A boom truck is essentially a flatbed truck that has a crane mounted on it, either behind the cab or at the rear of the truck. This truck-mounted crane can be used to lift, lower, and transport heavy loads using either a telescopic or knuckle boom configuration. This dual functionality (lifting and moving) makes it ideal for construction sites, material yards, and maintenance work.

Crane Mechanics and Types

Crane Types in Boom Trucks

There are two primary crane styles used in boom trucks:

• Telescopic Boom: This is the more common design featuring a straight arm that extends and retracts using hydraulic cylinders. It’s suitable for high-reaching jobs.

• Knuckle Boom (also known as articulating cranes): This crane mimics a human finger joint, with folding arms that allow more flexibility in tight or compact spaces.

Each model has its own lifting capacity, hydraulic efficiency, and mounting method, with ton knuckle boom truck mounted crane models being favored for their balance of strength and maneuverability.

Truck-Mounted Crane Configuration

Truck Mount Positioning

A truck mounted crane can be installed in two major configurations:

1. Behind the Cab – More balanced weight distribution; ideal for lifting closer to the truck.

2. Rear Mount – Better for lifts behind the truck; used in utility and delivery applications.

Operator’s Cab and Control

Higher-capacity boom truck cranes may feature a dedicated operator’s cab on the crane itself. Others use remote control systems or rely on in-cab control units. Ease of operation, safety switches, and emergency shut-off systems are all part of modern safety designs.

Boom Truck Capacity and Efficiency

The ton rating of boom trucks varies widely. Light-duty 2-ton knuckle boom cranes are used in smaller lifting jobs, while heavy-duty cranes can exceed 30 tons. The efficiency and compact design of knuckle boom models make them ideal for urban and off-road use, especially in tight construction sites or areas with overhead restrictions.

Hydraulic Performance

The hydraulic system plays a central role in a crane’s lifting ability. Hydraulic cranes provide smooth, controlled movement for both telescopic and knuckle boom operations. Look for models with:

• Hydraulic winches

• Telescopic sections

• Stabilizers or outriggers

• Auto-lube systems

Applications Across Industries

Construction and Infrastructure

In construction, boom trucks are used to lift materials like concrete forms, steel beams, and roofing panels. Their truck-mounted mobility makes them more versatile than stationary cranes.

Utilities and Maintenance

Powerline workers and telecom teams frequently use knuckle boom truck mounted cranes due to their compact reach and folding arms, allowing precise placement of transformers, poles, and cabling gear.

Marine and Port Operations

Some companies also manufacture marine cranes, designed for harsh environments and salty conditions. These telescopic boom trucks are corrosion-resistant and often used in dockside logistics.

Industrial Warehousing and Manufacturing

Industries requiring in-house lifting (like warehouses and factory assembly) benefit from compact boom truck cranes for indoor material handling and machine positioning.

Product Selection and Models

National Crane and Bob-Lift

National Crane, a subsidiary of Manitowoc, is one of the leaders in the U.S. boom crane market. Known for quality and heavy-duty performance, National Crane models include:

• National 800D Series (26–45 tons)

• National 600H Series (20–30 tons)

Bob-Lift, prominent in Southeast Asia and South America, offers 2-ton to 20-ton knuckle boom crane models with folding capabilities and hydraulic outreach systems.

Telescopic Boom Truck vs. Knuckle Boom

Key Specifications and Features

When selecting a truck-mounted crane, here are the core features to review:

• Crane capacity (tons)

• Hydraulic system efficiency

• Mounting type (truck rear or behind cab)

• Stability controls and outriggers

• Operator comfort and field of vision

• Safety locks and overload protection

• Crane rotation (360° or fixed arc)

Some custom fire apparatus or rescue service vehicles also use hybrid boom models for emergency lifting in firefighting or disaster recovery scenarios. See examples at Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment.

Boom Truck Safety and Compliance

Safety is a top priority in crane operations. Compliance with ISO safety standards, OSHA regulations, and load chart inspections are mandatory. Operators must be trained and certified for safe use, especially for high-tonnage or hydraulic boom trucks.

Common safety features include:

• Emergency shutoff

• Load moment indicators (LMI)

• Anti-two-block devices

• Field-adjustable speed control

• High-visibility warning lights

Maintenance and Durability

Regular Inspections

To ensure long-term durability and performance, routine maintenance is critical. This includes checking:

• Hydraulic oil levels

• Boom sections for corrosion or damage

• Stabilizer integrity

• Hose and winch line condition

Spare Parts Availability

Choose manufacturers with a strong after-sales support network, especially for spare parts like:

• Winches

• Hoses

• Cab components

• Remote-control modules

• Safety switches

Boom Trucks for Sale and Price Range

Boom truck prices depend on crane capacity, mounting configuration, and technology package. Here’s a rough guide:

Used cranes offer budget-friendly options but must be inspected professionally.

Future of Boom Trucks: Electric and Hybrid

The market is evolving with emission-free alternatives. Electric boom trucks and hybrid truck-mounted cranes are now available in limited quantities with battery-powered hydraulic systems, high-voltage safety features, and low-noise operation, especially suitable for urban job sites or night-time lifting. Learn more about electric construction equipment at Construction Equipment Guide – Electric Equipment.

CLW Group also offers a dependable garbage truck (refuse collection), designed to streamline waste management and sanitation operations in urban and industrial environments.

Conclusion

Boom truck cranes represent an essential category of mobile lifting equipment, combining the power of a crane with the mobility of a truck. From knuckle boom truck mounted crane systems to telescopic boom models, they serve roles in everything from construction to fire rescue and marine operations.

Whether you’re a contractor looking for compact lifting solutions, an industrial buyer seeking heavy-duty transport and lift, or a fleet manager sourcing the latest national crane models, a properly configured boom truck offers versatility, safety, and efficiency.