Crane Trucks: Complete Guide to Crane Trucks
What is a Crane Truck?
A crane truck, also known as a truck-mounted crane, is a type of vehicle that combines the transportation capabilities of a truck and the load lifting capabilities of a crane. This versatility makes crane trucks useful in a wide variety of roles.
A typical crane truck features a standard truck chassis with a crane mechanism mounted on the bed. This crane can be articulated or telescopic. In an articulated crane, sections are connected through mechanical links, while a telescopic crane uses sections that slide inside one another, which allows for extended reach and height.
The crane can be used for lifting, lowering, and moving heavy loads, from construction materials to shipping containers. It can also be used for tasks such as installing heavy equipment, assisting in rescue operations, or even for tree trimming in urban areas. Crane trucks are usually operated by a professional driver who is also trained to operate the crane.
However, due to their size, crane trucks have unique safety considerations. They require careful operation to avoid accidents, including tipping over if the load is too heavy or lifted improperly.
Furthermore, because the crane extends the height of the vehicle, extra caution must be taken when passing under bridges or near power lines.
The exact design and capabilities of a crane truck can vary widely based on the specific needs of the task at hand. Some trucks may have relatively small cranes used for light tasks, while others may have large, powerful cranes designed for heavy-duty work.
What Are The Different Types Of Crane Trucks?
Crane trucks are classified by several factors, including the type of crane, the lifting capacity, the maximum reach, and the type of truck chassis. Here are some broad categories:
- Small Crane Trucks: Small crane trucks typically have a lifting capacity of up to 20 tons and are mounted on light or medium-duty truck chassis. These are often used for lighter tasks such as residential construction, utility work, or light industrial work.
- Medium Crane Trucks: Medium crane trucks have a lifting capacity ranging from 20 to 50 tons. They can handle larger loads and are typically mounted on heavy-duty truck chassis. These are used for tasks like commercial construction, infrastructure work, or heavy industrial work.
- Large Crane Trucks: Large crane trucks have a lifting capacity of over 50 tons, and can lift very heavy loads. They are usually mounted on specialized heavy-duty chassis and may require additional support structures, such as outriggers, to provide stability during lifting operations. These cranes are used for tasks like bridge construction, heavy industrial work, or lifting large shipping containers.
Another way to categorize crane trucks is by the type of crane:
- Telescopic Crane Trucks: These have a boom that consists of a series of tubes fitted one inside the other. The boom extends or retracts by a hydraulic mechanism to increase or decrease the reach of the crane.
- Knuckle Boom Crane Trucks: These have a two-part boom that bends in the middle, like a knuckle, which allows it to fold into a compact size. They’re typically used for jobs where space is limited.
- Lattice Boom Crane Trucks: These have a lightweight boom made from steel lattice, which provides additional strength and reach compared to other types of booms.
Remember, different sizes and classes of crane trucks are suited to different tasks, and the “best” crane truck will depend on the specific needs of your job.
Always consider factors like the weight of the loads you’ll be lifting, the height and reach you’ll need, the type of terrain you’ll be working on, and local regulations when choosing a crane truck.
What Are The Best Crane Trucks?
There are many manufacturers that produce high-quality crane trucks, and the “best” make and model will depend on your specific needs, including the type of work you’ll be doing, the load capacity you need, and your budget.
Here are a few notable crane truck manufacturers and models:
- Manitex: Manitex is known for their boom trucks and truck-mounted telescopic cranes. The 40124 SHL, for example, has a max lift capacity of 40 tons and a max boom length of 124 feet. As for the price, new Manitex crane trucks can range from $200,000 to over $500,000 depending on the model and specifications. Used models can vary greatly in price depending on age, condition, and hours of use.
- Terex: Terex produces a wide range of construction equipment, including crane trucks. Their Crossover 8000 model, a boom truck crane, has a maximum lifting capacity of 80 tons. The price for new Terex crane trucks can also range from $200,000 to over $500,000. Used models will typically be less, again depending on age, condition, and hours of use.
- National Crane: National Crane, a part of the Manitowoc Company, offers a variety of boom trucks known for their durability and longevity. A popular model like the NBT55 has a max lift capacity of 55 tons and a max boom length of 128 feet. Pricing is similar to Manitex and Terex, with new models ranging from around $200,000 to over $500,000, and used models varying greatly based on condition and age.
- Altec: Altec offers a range of truck-mounted cranes, often used in the utility industry for jobs like network infrastructure or tree care. An example is the AC40-152S model, a telescopic boom truck with a max lift capacity of 40 tons. Altec’s cranes may be a bit less expensive, with new models often falling in the $100,000 to $300,000 range, and used models being less.
- Link-Belt: Link-Belt Cranes provides a variety of telescopic and lattice boom truck cranes. Their HTC-86100 model, a telescopic truck crane, has a max lift capacity of 100 tons and a max boom length of 140 feet. Pricing for new models can range from $300,000 to over $1 million, depending on the model and specifications.
These are just a few examples, and many other manufacturers produce high-quality crane trucks.
The specific specs and prices can vary greatly based on the features and capabilities of the individual model, and prices can change over time due to factors like inflation, changes in material costs, and changes in demand.
It’s also worth noting that buying a used crane truck can often be a cost-effective option, especially for smaller businesses or for those who don’t need a crane truck for frequent use.
However, when buying used, it’s particularly important to thoroughly inspect the vehicle and its service records, as repairs to crane trucks can be very expensive.
Where to Shop For a Crane Truck For Sale?
Choosing the best online site to shop for crane trucks depends on various factors such as your location, budget, specific equipment needs, and whether you’re looking for new or used equipment.
Here’s a brief overview of the platforms you mentioned:
CraneTrader
CraneTrader is an easy-to-navigate online marketplace for buying and selling crane equipment. It lists a variety of crane types, including boom truck cranes, mounted cranes, and more. You can filter your search by categories like lifting capacity, boom length, and price to find what you’re looking for.
Machinery Trader
Machinery Trader is one of the leading online platforms for buying and selling construction equipment, including crane trucks. It offers both new and used equipment and allows you to search by specific criteria such as manufacturer, model, and location.
Commercial Truck Trader
Commercial Truck Trader specializes in trucks and commercial vehicles. You can find a range of crane trucks here, with filters for condition (new or used), manufacturer, and model. This site also provides tools for comparing prices and financing options.
IronPlanet
IronPlanet is a comprehensive online auction platform for used heavy equipment, including crane trucks. Their listings provide detailed inspection reports, which is a big plus if you’re buying used. You can also participate in live, online auctions.
Ritchie Bros Auctioneers
Ritchie Bros is the world’s largest auctioneer of heavy equipment and trucks. They conduct regular auctions where you can bid on a wide range of equipment, including crane trucks. Their detailed online listings provide information about the condition of the equipment, and you have the opportunity to inspect items in person before bidding.
Each platform has its advantages. CraneTrader and Machinery Trader have a focus on cranes and heavy machinery, which can be an advantage if you’re looking for specific equipment.
Commercial Truck Trader, as the name implies, is more focused on trucks, but still offers a good selection of crane trucks.
IronPlanet and Ritchie Bros Auctioneers offer the excitement of live auctions and the possibility of finding good deals, particularly for used equipment.
Before making a decision, consider factors like the range and quality of listings, the clarity of the information provided, the reliability of the platform, and the availability of additional services like financing and shipping.
It’s a good idea to browse several platforms to compare prices and options before making a decision.
How to Get Crane Truck Financing?
Making smart choices with crane truck financing is critical to any crane business operations. Having up-to-date equipment to maximize efficiency and stay in compliance with ever-changing regulations is important to a company’s growth and sustainability.
TopMark Funding is one of the nations leading equipment finance companies. We offer several equipment financing or lease programs to choose from. We offer flexible crane truck leasing terms to help you get a monthly payment you can afford and to help with cash flow.
We’ve made the funding and application process quick and easy so you can get funded fast and on the road with your new truck.
- Apply Online: Click the “Get Pre-Approved Today” button. Fill out the contact form and one of our truck funding specialists will call you ASAP! Or for immediate assistance contact us today at (866) 627-6644
- Select a Solution: A crane truck finance executive will contact you to go over your funding and business needs. We want to understand your needs to better help us find the best solution that meets your business objectives. Whether you would prefer a loan or lease, long-term commercial financing goals, etc…
- Review Documents: Once we have determined the best crane truck finance solution for you and your business, documents are generated and then emailed for review and signature. An electronic signature is acceptable on most documents.
- Get Funded: After the signed contract is returned, we’ll process your documents. Most transactions fund within 1 to 3 days. Fast turn around to get you the truck you want up and running.
Get Pre-Approved – Click the Get Started Button Below to get started today. Get pre-approved in minutes. We do a soft credit pull, No hard inquiries (unlike our competitors), and are guaranteed no impact on your business or personal credit score.
What Insurance Do I Need For a Crane Truck?
Insuring a crane truck is necessary and typically includes several types of coverage due to the nature of the vehicle and its use. Here are some of the types of insurance coverage you might need for a crane truck:
- Commercial Auto Insurance: This covers the truck itself in case of accidents, theft, or damage. It typically includes liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage if you or your driver are at fault in an accident. It can also include comprehensive and collision coverage to pay for damage or loss to your truck.
- Equipment Insurance: This covers the crane equipment attached to the truck. It can protect you from the costs associated with repairing or replacing the crane if it gets damaged. It can also cover other equipment and tools that are kept on the truck.
- Inland Marine Insurance: This covers the cargo that you’re transporting or lifting. For example, if you’re using your crane truck to transport a large piece of machinery and it gets damaged in transit, inland marine insurance could cover the cost of the damage.
- General Liability Insurance: This covers damage to other people’s property or injuries to other people that are caused by your business but not directly related to operating the truck. For example, if a passerby is injured because something falls off your truck, general liability insurance could cover the costs associated with the injury.
- Worker’s Compensation Insurance: If you have employees operating the crane truck, you’ll need worker’s compensation insurance to cover them in case they get injured on the job.
- Umbrella Insurance: This provides coverage beyond the limits of your other policies. If a claim exceeds the amount of coverage provided by your auto or general liability policy, umbrella insurance can cover the excess amount.
The specific insurance requirements and costs will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of your truck, the type and value of the crane, how you use the truck, the area where you operate, and your company’s accident history.
Given the potential for large liabilities associated with crane operations, it’s critical to discuss your insurance needs with an agent who understands commercial and heavy equipment insurance.
They can help ensure you have the appropriate coverage for your specific needs.
Is Owning a Crane Truck a Good Investment?
The profitability of owning a crane truck largely depends on the specifics of your business model, operating costs, and the demand for crane services in your area.
If your business frequently requires the use of a crane, owning a crane truck can potentially save on rental costs and provide the flexibility of having the equipment available whenever you need it. This could lead to increased efficiency and potentially greater profits.
However, purchasing a crane truck is a substantial financial commitment. The upfront cost can be quite high, and ongoing costs such as maintenance, insurance, and licensing can add up. It’s also worth considering the potential depreciation of the crane truck over time.
As for the revenue, it can vary widely depending on the services you offer, the rates in your local market, and how often your crane truck is in use. For example, a crane service business might charge anywhere from $100 to $600 per hour, depending on the type of work and the capacity of the crane.
If the crane is in use full-time and you’re able to charge at the higher end of this range, it’s possible to generate substantial revenue. However, this would require consistent demand for your services, which may not be the case in all markets or at all times of the year.
Moreover, while owning a crane truck may open up new business opportunities, it’s also worth considering the potential risks.
For example, crane operation can be dangerous, and accidents can result in substantial liabilities. Proper training and safety measures are a must, and comprehensive insurance is essential.
In Conclusion
Whether or not owning a crane truck is a good investment will depend on many factors. It’s recommended to conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis and consult with a financial advisor before making such a decision.
Consider your specific business needs, the local demand for crane services, and your ability to manage the costs and risks associated with owning and operating a crane truck.
ABOUT TOPMARK FUNDING
Need Semi-Truck Financing? We can help!
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Fill out the contact form or give us a call at (866) 627-6644. One of our equipment financing specialists will contact you as soon as possible to go over your truck lease needs and learn more about you and your business financing goals.
