Renting the Right Crane for the Job: Knuckle Boom vs. Telescopic

Renting the Right Crane for the Job: Knuckle Boom vs. Telescopic

Cranes are immensely useful machines with a host of advantages—the most important being that they allow people to move very heavy loads with ease. But considering all the different types and uses of cranes, it's important for people to make an educated decision.

 

Here's what you need to know about the differences between a knuckle boom crane and a telescopic crane.

Knuckle Booms Bend in the Middle

A knuckle boom crane is so named because of the joint in the middle of the boom arm. This “knuckle” can bend in different directions to allow more flexibility in moving a heavy load around. The lifting power comes from a hook at the end of the boom instead of a winch at the base of the arm. Most loads managed with a knuckle boom are loaded onto and off of the connected truck, and the truck transports the load to another location.

Telescopic Cranes Have More Power, But Can't Transport Loads

Telescopic cranes are the cranes most people imagine when thinking of a crane. They have very long crane booms that can be extended with extra boom additions. They can lift even more weight than a knuckle boom, but they can't transport heavy loads on the vehicle or transport loads for long distances. If whatever you are trying to lift, carry, load, or unload exceeds the weight restrictions on a knuckle boom, then you need a telescopic crane.

The Reach of a Knuckle Boom Is Shorter

A knuckle boom crane's reach is much shorter than the telescopic crane. It is limited by its attachment to a truck and the weight it can handle without tipping the truck over. It can't lift higher than the boom can go, and typically it doesn't have arm extensions like the telescopic crane. If you don't need to lift a load higher than the hayloft in a barn (i.e., second or third story), then you can use the knuckle boom crane.

Rent a Crane Based on the Amount You Need to Lift

It's important to know how much your crane is going to lift during the process of using it. Weight restrictions on cranes exist to prevent the weight from tipping the crane over onto its side. Despite the fact that cranes have anchors to put down and prevent tipping, you should never go beyond the weight restriction of your chosen crane. Find out how many tons your crane will have to regularly lift while in use and rent a crane that can lift just a little bit more than that.

 

For example, if you regularly lift loads that are 120 tons, rent a telescopic crane that can lift 150 tons. That way, if you underestimate how much a load weighs, your crane and crane operator will still be safe.

  

 

American Aerial Services in Falmouth, Maine, has several different cranes you can rent for as many days, weeks, or months as you need it. Contact us today to get a quote!