Photo From Altec, Inc.Originally Posted On: Boom Trucks vs. Knuckle Boom Cranes: What’s the Difference? – Altec Inc
Deciding what piece of equipment to purchase can be a tough choice, especially when time and resources are limited. When it comes to boom trucks and knuckle boom cranes, that decision can be even more difficult due to the similar work applications and capabilities of both. While there are many reasons to choose either type of crane, it often comes down to a customer’s personal preference and intended work applications. Both boom truck and knuckle boom cranes offer distinct advantages based on their intended use.
Which Type of Crane is Right for Me?
The first step in determining which type of crane to purchase is to consider where and how you intend to use it. These truck mounted cranes can be used for multiple work applications, such as electric line maintenance and construction for both transmission and distribution infrastructure, tree trimming and removal, material delivery, and general day-trade construction use. Additionally, it’s important to understand the basic structural differences of each type of crane.
To better help you choose which crane you need, we’ll cover work applications and basic features that apply to both pieces of equipment.
Knuckle Boom Cranes
A knuckle boom crane (also known as an articulating crane) is a piece of heavy equipment designed to lift loads, handle and deliver material and conduct work at the boom tip through a variety of attachments. These cranes are created to be lightweight and highly maneuverable for maximum payload while working in tight spaces.
Telescopic Boom Trucks
A boom truck crane, or a telescoping crane, uses high-boom angles and a hoist to lift loads. These cranes are designed for strength and stability and are typically used to lift heavy loads vertically.
Work Applications
Load placement, the weight of your load and your ability to transport it are all essential factors to consider when deciding which type of crane will best fit your daily work needs.
When it comes to load placement, a knuckle boom crane can be a good choice for moving loads point to point, whereas a boom truck crane is sometimes better at moving a load vertically or up and over obstacles such as structures or trees.
If you’re considering the size and weight of a load, heavier items that need to be moved farther away are best lifted by a boom truck crane. Larger loads that need to be moved to a jobsite are best carried by a knuckle boom crane because it doesn’t have the limitation of having a boom stow over the bed.
Support from Start to Finish
Altec offers both telescoping and articulating (knuckle boom) cranes. Altec’s telescopic boom truck cranes are available direct from our factory. For knuckle boom cranes, Altec is the exclusive distributor of Effer Cranes in the US. Regardless of which type of crane is needed, we offer our customers world-class lifting solutions that are designed and manufactured to meet their needs and specifications.
At Altec, we pride ourselves on maintaining consistent relationships with our customers that continue beyond your initial purchase. From the day of your purchase through the life cycle of your equipment, Altec is here to support you every step of the way with service, financing, safety training, tools, parts, fleet management and more.
This includes:
- The Altec Service Group, the industry’s most extensive fleet of mobile service vehicles and technicians covering both the entire United States and parts of Canada.
- Altec Sentry, our technical support and training organization, Altec offers knuckle boom and boom truck service training.
- Altec Connect, a one-stop shop for ordering tools, supplies, accessories, replacement parts and more for your knuckle boom or boom truck crane.
- Altec Fleet Services provides proven fleet management solutions focusing on the objectives most important to you: Safety, Compliance, Performance and Economics.
In addition to this support, both Altec boom truck cranes and knuckle boom cranes are the safest equipment solutions in the industry. From overload protection to outrigger boom interlocks and anti-two block devices, our cranes are designed and built with safety features that help owners and operators comply with the most up-to-date OSHA safety standards.
Are you interested in seeing what an Altec boom truck or knuckle boom crane can do for your business? Call 800-958-2555 or contact an Altec representative online.
