Boom crane trucks have steadily grown in popularity as their usefulness in many different types of industrial environments and construction 
work sites continues to be proven. Providing solutions for many lifting jobs that would not be easily accessible with regular straight arm cranes, knuckle booms have many benefits over larger, more cumbersome colleagues. So when it is necessary to purchase one of these unique vehicles, there are some important factors that should be understood to ensure the right crane is chosen for the job.
Important Features
When buying a knuckle boom crane, it is important to decide on certain options so that the right vehicle is selected that will handle any job site needs. The critical considerations have to do with the truck and the job to be performed, such as lifting radius and capacity, payload, as well as chassis size and weight. Such primary variables are dictated by the work a knuckle boom truck needs to do and how it will be performed as buying undersized vehicles by not properly considering such features could lead to job site problems.
Maneuverability
Understanding the environment where a truck will be used makes it possible to determine what size would best accommodate such work. Since a main benefit of these trucks is being able to work in tighter spaces because the knuckle boom can lift around and over obstacles, a smaller unit could be purchased than a comparable conventional crane that would not easily work in such a setting. The knuckle boom maneuverability makes the most of smaller spaces – and works more efficiently. Features to consider when buying for a specific job is the vehicle’s lifting, radius, and extension capacities, all of which come into play in smaller working areas.
Truck Weight and Lifting Capacity
Articulating cranes raise a load differently than straight arm versions, as the center of gravity and elevating weight capacity is different. Although not able to lift as heavy of a load, the knuckle boom can definitely raise a load higher and maneuver it to more places than a straight arm crane. As with more conventional cranes, the heavier the truck itself, the greater lifting capacity is provided. Of course, since this vehicle is generally used for somewhat lighter loads, it is possible for boom trucks to lift safely from a smaller chassis. It is still essential to be sure that the overall vehicle weight is heavy enough to compensate for different lifting angles and heights.
Greater Payload Capacity
Because of how knuckle boom arms are stowed by folding up rather than laying over a truck bed, there is more usable payload space than other types of cranes. This truck can load, carry, and unload material, although the fact that the arm must be balanced even when the bed is empty must still be taken into consideration. The boom arm itself is much lighter than a regular straight crane, leaving more load carrying capacity. The recommended way to buy one of these vehicles is to base the weight and crane capacity on payload needs. A vehicle sized to its payload should be big enough to carry that weight and heavy enough to stay balanced while in use.
Even though knuckle boom trucks come in many shapes and sizes, a buying decision that is based on lifting needs is essential. Common job site usage information should be obtained that includes payload weight, lifting height and distance, and frequency of jobs to help a dealer determine the best model and specifications for the purchasing company. Then a vehicle can be selected based on the job to be done so that the knuckle boom truck can provide safe, reliable service for many years to come!
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