Hydraulic Truck Cranes Capable of Lifting the Largest Loads

Every truck crane can be rented by you and manned by an Active Crane certified operator experienced with the equipment, saving you the time and energy of finding your own independent operators.

The advantages you get from these diverse and capable mobile hydraulic truck cranes are the perfect complement to the Active Crane advantage – Be sure to tell us about your crane project needs and we’ll tell you how ready we are to handle your most challenging jobs!

Hydraulic Truck Crane FAQs

1 What is a hydraulic truck crane, and how does it work?

A hydraulic truck crane is a mobile crane mounted on a highway-legal truck chassis, utilizing hydraulic pressure to lift, lower, and maneuver heavy loads with precision.

They are designed for rapid deployment, making them ideal for jobs requiring mobility, quick setup, and high lifting capacity without the need for extensive rigging.

2 What are the lifting capacities available for rental?

The most commonly rented hydraulic truck crane sizes include:

• 40-60 tons: general construction and light industrial work.
• 75-100 tons: steel erection and infrastructure projects.
• 120-200 tons: larger-scale projects and heavy equipment placement.
• 250+ tons: ultra-heavy lifts, including refinery operations and large-scale industrial construction.

Each crane has a detailed load chart specifying its lifting capacities at different boom lengths and radii.

3 How do hydraulic cranes compare to other mobile crane options?

Hydraulic cranes compared to:

• Lattice Boom Crawler Cranes: Built for extreme loads and rough terrain but require extensive setup, like assembling a giant puzzle before use.
• Rough Terrain Cranes (RT Cranes): Great for off-road sites but can’t travel on highways like truck-mounted hydraulic cranes.
• All-Terrain Cranes (AT Cranes): A hybrid option—versatile but more expensive and complex to transport.
• Boom Trucks: Lightweight and mobile but lack the heavy lifting power of hydraulic truck cranes.

4 What are the advantages of hydraulic systems in lifting operations?

Hydraulic systems offer high power density, smooth control, and faster setup than mechanical cranes.

They enable precise load handling, reduce sudden shifts, and have self-contained outriggers for quick deployment.

With fewer moving parts, they require less maintenance, lower downtime, and reduced wear and tear, ensuring reliable performance on demanding job sites.

5 What types of projects are best suited for hydraulic truck cranes?

Hydraulic truck cranes are incredibly versatile because of their ability to quickly mobilize and lift heavy loads with precision in time-sensitive and large-scale operations.

They are ideal for serving a wide range of projects, including:

• Construction & Steel Erection
• Infrastructure & Bridge Work
• Wind Energy & Power Generation
• Utility & Telecommunications
• Heavy Equipment Relocation

6 Do boom trucks require special permits or certifications?

Yes, operating a boom truck often requires specific certifications and licenses for both the operator and potentially for the truck itself, depending on local regulations. Furthermore, permits may be required for certain lifting operations, especially those involving road closures or working near power lines. To ensure compliance, it’s crucial to check with local authorities and regulatory bodies.

7 What are the site requirements and setup times?

Hydraulic truck cranes require stable, level ground and sufficient clearance for boom extension and rotation.

All job sites must accommodate load access, operating radius, and potential obstructions like power lines. Urban areas may need permits and traffic control.

Setup is typically completed within a few hours, minimizing downtime compared to larger crane types.

8 Are these cranes suitable for tight spaces or urban environments?

A hydraulic truck crane’s maneuverability, shorter wheelbases, and telescopic booms make them ideal for lifting operations in confined spaces like those in a congested downtown area, near high-rise buildings, or in an industrial plant with limited access

Key advantages for urban environments include:

• Compact Outrigger Footprint
• Telescopic Boom Efficiency
• Road Legal Transport
• Low Noise & Emission Options