Top 5 Best Crane Trucks Manufacturers

When it comes to heavy-duty lifting and material handling in industries like construction, utilities, and oil and gas, crane trucks are an essential tool. 

These robust machines combine mobility with formidable lifting power, providing invaluable utility on the worksite. 

With several key manufacturers dominating the market, it’s crucial to identify the ones that have consistently delivered quality, innovation, and top-tier customer service. 

Here, we delve into the histories and achievements of four leading crane truck manufacturers in the United States: Manitex, Terex, National Crane, and Altec. 

These manufacturers have each carved a niche for themselves in the industry, earning recognition for their commitment to excellence, their cutting-edge product offerings, and their dedication to meeting the ever-evolving needs of their customers. 

We’ll also touch on the noteworthy Link-Belt brand, an influential global player in the crane truck market. From the birth of their iconic models to their forward-thinking approach towards sustainability, these manufacturers have a lot to offer.

Read on to learn more about the best crane truck manufacturers in the industry.

Manitex International, Inc

Founded in 1993, Manitex International, Inc. is a leading provider of engineered lifting solutions. Headquartered in Bridgeview, Illinois, the company has built a strong reputation over the decades for its high-quality lifting equipment, which includes boom trucks, crane trucks, and aerial work platforms.

Manitex’s products are renowned for their innovation, durability, and safety. These attributes have made the company a go-to brand for industries that require dependable heavy-lifting solutions, such as construction, oil and gas, and utilities. Through its commitment to quality, Manitex has been able to establish a global footprint, with its products in use in more than 50 countries worldwide.

One of the pillars of Manitex’s success is its focus on research and development. The company continually invests in advancing its technology and designs, ensuring its products meet the ever-evolving needs of its customers. Manitex’s team of skilled engineers works diligently to enhance the features, performance, and safety of the company’s equipment, keeping Manitex at the forefront of the lifting solutions industry.

A hallmark model of Manitex’s crane truck series is the 40124 SHL. Known for its robust lifting capacity and impressive reach, the 40124 SHL exemplifies the company’s dedication to producing top-tier equipment. With a maximum lift capacity of 40 tons and a maximum boom length of 124 feet, this model is a testament to Manitex’s commitment to powerful performance and user-friendly operation.

Beyond its products, Manitex is committed to providing outstanding service. The company offers comprehensive support to its customers, ranging from training and parts supply to maintenance and repair services. This customer-centric approach has allowed Manitex to build strong, long-term relationships with its users.

In recent years, Manitex has also shown a dedication to sustainability. Recognizing the environmental impact of its industry, the company has taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint, enhance energy efficiency, and promote responsible waste management in its operations.

As Manitex continues to evolve, the company remains grounded in its core values of quality, innovation, and service. Whether it’s developing a new product or improving upon existing ones, Manitex is steadfast in its mission to deliver the best lifting solutions to its customers worldwide.

Learn more about Manitex

Terex Corporation

Terex Corporation, founded in 1933, is an American global manufacturer of lifting and material handling solutions. With its headquarters in Connecticut, USA, Terex has grown into a major player in the industry, providing a broad portfolio of equipment, services, and solutions in various sectors, including construction, infrastructure, quarrying, recycling, energy, mining, and transportation.

Terex’s journey began as a subsidiary of General Motors under the name Euclid Company. Initially, the company specialized in producing off-road haul trucks for mining operations. In 1968, the company separated from General Motors and rebranded as Terex, a name derived from Latin, meaning “fearful of nothing.”

Over the decades, Terex has developed a strong reputation for its robust and versatile products, combining performance with cutting-edge technology. The company’s offerings range from aerial work platforms, cranes, and materials processing equipment, to various types of off-highway trucks and high-capacity surface mining trucks. 

Among Terex’s crane offerings, the Crossover 8000 stands out as one of its most notable models. This crane truck boasts a maximum lift capacity of 80 tons, offering powerful performance for a variety of lifting operations. With Terex’s attention to operator comfort and safety, the Crossover 8000 embodies the company’s commitment to producing top-tier equipment.

Terex’s commitment to innovation is a key driver of its success. The company continually invests in research and development to improve its products, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the industry. This ongoing investment has resulted in numerous advancements in technology and design that have kept Terex at the forefront of its industry.

In addition to its products, Terex also prides itself on its comprehensive service. The company offers extensive support to its customers, from training and parts supply to maintenance and repair services. This dedication to customer service has enabled Terex to build strong, enduring relationships with its customers across the globe.

Recognizing the environmental impact of its operations, Terex has also taken steps towards sustainable practices. This includes efforts to minimize waste, conserve energy, and reduce emissions. In addition, the company continually evaluates its products and processes for opportunities to enhance environmental stewardship.

As Terex looks to the future, it remains dedicated to its founding principles of providing reliable, high-performing equipment and exceptional customer service. Whether developing new products or refining existing ones, Terex’s commitment to its customers and to the industry is clear.

Learn more about Terex

National Crane

National Crane is a leading brand of boom trucks, known for their high-quality construction, reliability, and performance. The brand is a part of the Manitowoc Company, Inc., a global manufacturer of cranes and lifting solutions with a rich history dating back to 1902. National Crane, with its inception in 1940s, has contributed significantly to Manitowoc’s reputation as a trailblazer in the lifting industry.

National Crane’s beginnings were marked by innovation. Responding to the post-World War II construction boom, National Crane introduced the first telescoping boom truck, revolutionizing the industry with a machine that combined mobility and lifting capability. This spirit of innovation has remained with the brand throughout its history, continually resulting in products that set new standards for quality and performance.

Today, National Crane is renowned for its comprehensive range of boom trucks, which are utilized across numerous industries, including construction, utilities, and oil and gas. The trucks are known for their robust construction, durability, and versatility, capable of meeting a diverse range of lifting needs.

One standout model in National Crane’s lineup is the NBT55. This crane truck has a maximum lift capacity of 55 tons and a maximum boom length of 128 feet, making it a versatile solution for a variety of applications. It embodies National Crane’s commitment to delivering high-performance, user-friendly equipment that can handle the rigors of demanding work environments.

Beyond product innovation, National Crane prides itself on its commitment to its customers. It offers comprehensive support, including operator training, parts supply, and maintenance services. This dedication to customer service helps ensure that users can maximize the performance and lifespan of their National Crane equipment.

National Crane also takes its environmental responsibilities seriously. The company is committed to developing more sustainable technologies and practices, focusing on enhancing energy efficiency and reducing emissions. These efforts demonstrate National Crane’s commitment not only to its customers but also to the broader community and environment.

Looking ahead, National Crane remains focused on its mission to deliver innovative, high-quality lifting solutions. As it continues to develop new products and refine its existing lineup, National Crane’s dedication to performance, safety, and sustainability will continue to drive its success.

Learn more about National Crane

Altec Inc.

Altec Inc., established in 1929, is a leading equipment and service provider for the electric utility, telecommunications, tree care, lights and signs, and contractor markets. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Altec delivers products and services in more than 100 countries around the world, solidifying its global presence.

The company’s initial focus was on the development of the first power line utility truck. Over the years, Altec has continued to expand its portfolio to cater to diverse industry requirements. Today, the company offers a wide range of equipment, including truck-mounted mobile cranes, aerial devices, digger derricks, and specialty equipment.

Known for its innovative designs and high-quality manufacturing, Altec’s products are respected for their durability, safety, and cutting-edge technology. One such model is the Altec AC38-127S crane truck. Known for its superior stability and reach, this model boasts a maximum capacity of 38 tons, embodying Altec’s commitment to delivering robust and efficient equipment.

An integral part of Altec’s success is its unwavering commitment to customer service. The company has dedicated service centers and an expansive parts distribution center to support its customers’ after-sale needs. Altec also provides ongoing training programs to ensure the safe and efficient operation of its equipment. 

Research and development are cornerstones of Altec’s strategy. The company continually invests in new technologies and product enhancements to stay at the forefront of the industry and meet the evolving needs of its customers. This commitment to innovation has resulted in many industry firsts and has solidified Altec’s reputation as a leader in the field.

Sustainability is another key focus for Altec. The company is dedicated to improving its products and processes to reduce environmental impact. Altec’s advanced Idle Mitigation Systems and JEMS 4 Series hybrid products are part of its commitment to creating solutions that are both efficient and environmentally conscious.

As Altec continues to advance, it holds fast to its core values of customer focus, integrity, and teamwork. Whether developing new products or refining existing ones, Altec is steadfast in its mission to provide reliable and innovative equipment, backed by exceptional customer service.

Learn more about Altec

Link-Belt

Link-Belt, a brand under the umbrella of the Japan-based Sumitomo Heavy Industries, is an esteemed name in the construction and material handling industries. Known for the production of top-tier cranes, including truck cranes, telescopic cranes, and crawler cranes, Link-Belt’s legacy stretches back to the late 19th century.

Founded in 1880 by William Dana Ewart, the company began as the Link-Belt Machinery Company, based in Chicago, Illinois. Ewart, a farm implement dealer, conceptualized an improved square detachable link for chain belts, hence the name Link-Belt. Over the years, the company evolved and expanded its product range, and in 1906, Link-Belt Co. was officially formed.

In the 1930s, Link-Belt entered the crane market, where it quickly built a reputation for high-quality, durable products. Its commitment to excellence and innovation has kept Link-Belt at the forefront of the industry. 

A prominent product in the Link-Belt crane lineup is the HTC-86100. This crane truck model is highly versatile, embodying the brand’s dedication to superior performance, innovation, and safety. It’s particularly known for its remarkable lift capacity and extensive boom length, which enable it to handle a wide array of lifting tasks.

Link-Belt’s dedication to technological advancement and product improvement sets it apart. The company maintains an active research and development department, focusing on refining its designs and integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance safety, efficiency, and operator convenience. 

As part of its customer service, Link-Belt offers extensive support, ranging from operator training and parts supply to maintenance and repair services. This comprehensive approach ensures that customers can maximize the performance and lifespan of their Link-Belt equipment.

The company also demonstrates a commitment to sustainability, aiming to minimize its environmental impact through improved manufacturing processes, energy-efficient designs, and waste reduction. These efforts underscore Link-Belt’s pledge to responsible corporate citizenship.

As Link-Belt looks to the future, it stays rooted in its long-held values of innovation, quality, and customer service. With its ongoing mission to develop top-tier lifting solutions, Link-Belt’s dedication to its customers, employees, and the environment will continue to drive its success.

Learn more about Link-Belt

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, the crane truck manufacturing industry is filled with exceptional contenders, each offering unique strengths and contributions.

Manitex, Terex, National Crane, Link-Belt, and Altec all stand out as leaders in the field, having demonstrated their commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction over decades of operation.

Manitex, with its global footprint and impressive product range, is recognized for its outstanding lifting solutions.

Similarly, Terex has consistently offered high-performing equipment and exceptional customer service, firmly establishing itself as a key player in the industry.

National Crane, known for its trailblazing telescoping boom trucks, continues to set standards for quality and performance in the boom truck market.

Altec, with its focus on diverse industry requirements, has proven itself as a leader through its durable and efficient equipment.

Finally, Link-Belt, a part of the global Sumitomo Heavy Industries group, is esteemed for its robust and versatile cranes, showcasing the brand’s dedication to superior performance and safety.

Each of these manufacturers also showcases a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, a trait becoming increasingly important in today’s industries.

As the demand for efficient, reliable, and environmentally-conscious equipment continues to grow, these manufacturers are well-positioned to meet these needs, ensuring their continued relevance and success in the crane truck market.

Whether you’re in construction, utilities, or any other industry requiring robust lifting solutions, these top manufacturers are worth considering for your next crane truck investment.

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