What Is a Crane Truck?
A crane truck is a vehicle equipped with the functionality of a crane, which can lift and horizontally move loads using power.
Known also as a mobile crane due to its ability to travel on roads, its major feature is the ability to be set up in various locations, allowing for the conducting of operations in optimal positions. With various vehicle variations and sizes, users can choose the type of vehicle according to the location and purpose. It is commonly used in civil engineering sites, demolition projects, construction sites, and is one of the familiar construction vehicles for the general public.
Uses of Crane Trucks
Crane trucks are used for various tasks such as moving loads and lifting or lowering materials in different locations. Their ability to self-propel and move to the work site is a key reason for their widespread use.
They play a vital role in various construction sites, job sites, rescue operations, event setups, and more. Their ability to operate in challenging terrains, soft ground, and confined spaces makes them highly valuable across different fields.
Principles of Crane Trucks
A crane truck is a vehicle with a crane apparatus mounted on a mobile chassis. The upper revolving body can rotate the entire vehicle left or right using a turning device. The elevation and extension of the jib (boom) on the upper revolving body are hydraulically operated.
Types of Crane Trucks
There are six main types of crane trucks, each capable of traveling and moving:
1. Truck Crane
Equipped with a revolving circle on the chassis and outriggers, this crane truck has a crane apparatus mounted on top. It has separate driver cabins for driving and crane operation. Available in various sizes, ranging from small to large, it can lift up to 20 tons.
2. Load-Carrying Truck Crane
This crane truck combines a crane apparatus and a loading platform on the chassis. Typically, the crane apparatus is mounted between the driver cabin and the loading platform. It is highly convenient as it can handle hoisting, loading, and transport operations in one unit. Usually, it has a lifting capacity of less than 3 tons, with crane operation either on the side of the vehicle or using remote control.
3. Wrecker Truck Crane
Used for towing accident vehicles and installing machinery in factories, this crane truck has a short jib length of 10m. It is equipped with a pintle hook and winch for towing purposes.
4. Rough Terrain Crane
A wheel crane with large tires, this all-wheel-drive crane truck is equipped with two axles for four-wheel drive. It has a small turning radius, making it suitable for use in narrow urban areas. Notably, it can stably operate on uneven or soft ground. It has a lifting capacity ranging from 4.9 tons to 70 tons, and with additional weights, some models can achieve capacities of over 100 tons.
5. All-Terrain Crane
A large crane truck capable of high-speed road travel and off-road movement. With a maximum of 8 axles and 16 wheels, this all-terrain crane can achieve both multi-axle drive and steering, ensuring maneuverability in tight spaces. It can deliver significant lifting capacity even in confined work areas.
6. Crawler Crane
A crane truck with a crawler running system. Crawler-type cranes have a wide ground contact area, resulting in low ground pressure, allowing them to travel on soft ground. While their travel speed is slow, around 1 to 3 km/h, they cannot travel on public roads and are transported on trailers.
Other Information on Crane Trucks
Licenses Required for Operating Crane Trucks
To operate and handle a crane truck, individuals need to undergo training tailored to the specific crane truck they will use. This includes:
- Special education for driving mobile cranes
- Small mobile crane driving skills training
- Mobile crane operator’s license
- Rigging skills training
Additionally, for on-road travel, licenses such as a medium-sized license, large-sized license, or large-sized special license are required based on the vehicle’s size.