Including construction, transport, and logistics, these trucks combine cargo transportation capabilities with crane functionality for lifting and material handling. The truck chassis is designed to support heavy loads and the crane, while the cabin can vary in type (day, sleeper) and is often equipped with advanced technology for management and safety. Powerful engines (usually diesel) with various drivetrain configurations (4×2, 6×2, 6×4) and Euro 5 or Euro 6 emission standards provide environmental sustainability.
The cranes on these trucks vary in size and capacity, from smaller models for lighter tasks to larger cranes for heavy loads. The most renowned crane manufacturers include Hiab, Palfinger, and Fassi. There are several types of crane trucks, including trucks with side cranes, trucks with rear-mounted cranes, and trucks with rotary cranes, each offering specific advantages and conveniences for various tasks.
Trucks with cranes are essential in many industries, providing flexibility, efficiency, and safety in handling cargo. While they face challenges such as high maintenance costs and operational expenses, their advantages make them a key element in modern transportation and logistics.
In construction, crane trucks are used for assembling structures and equipment on construction sites. In transportation and logistics, they are used for loading and unloading cargo at ports and warehouses, as well as for distributing and transporting heavy and bulky loads. In municipal services, they are used for maintaining infrastructure such as street lighting and signs, as well as for waste and recycling material removal and transport.
Advantages of crane trucks include versatility, as they allow various tasks to be performed with a single vehicle, reducing the need for additional equipment and vehicles. They are also efficient, enabling quick and effective handling of cargo, thereby reducing loading and unloading times. Advanced safety technology for operators and cargo reduces the risk of injuries and damage to the cargo.
However, there are also challenges associated with crane trucks, such as the need for regular maintenance to ensure optimal operation and longevity, high maintenance and repair costs, high initial purchasing cost and installation of cranes, as well as ongoing operational expenses including fuel, insurance, and maintenance. Additionally, adherence to regulations regarding weight, size, and emissions is necessary, along with the training and certification of crane operators.