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Washington State passed tower crane safety regulations after a fatal 2019 incident in Seattle, aligning with other states. Truck cranes are essential for efficient construction operations, offering mobility, versatility, and safety features. They help save time, cut costs, and improve project outcomes. Different configurations cater to various project requirements, making them adaptable to diverse job environments.
Mon January 27, 2025 - National Edition
Washington State was poised to join other states regulating safety surrounding tower cranes. The state passed legislation in response to a deadly 2019 tower crane accident in Seattle, joining other major cities and states with tower crane regulations in place.
Construction projects demand efficiency for contractors to stay competitive. Truck cranes are essential to efficient operations. Their mobility means they can tackle multiple quick jobs in one day. On long-term projects, they become a toolbox on wheels, handling a wide variety of jobs on the construction site and reducing the need for various task-specific machines.
"When it comes to the construction industry, efficiency and safety are top priorities," blogs truck crane service provider TER Texas. "Truck cranes are essential for today's construction projects because they offer a flexible, mobile and dependable way to lift and move heavy materials."
As TER explains, unlike fixed cranes, truck cranes can easily move between job sites, ideal for managing multiple projects or work in various locations.
"This flexibility saves time and effort since the crane can travel on regular roads, eliminating the need for specialized transport."
Truck-mounted cranes, boom trucks and knuckleboom cranes can handle a wide range of tasks. Their capabilities run from lifting heavy steel beams to transporting construction materials across a job site.
"This adaptability makes them an essential piece of equipment for any construction project, large or small," said TER.
Plus, instead of renting or purchasing several machines for lifting, transporting, and setting materials, a single truck crane can perform all these tasks.
As the crane provider notes, this not only cuts down on equipment costs but also simplifies project management and speeds up project timelines, saving costs. Their ability to lift and move materials quickly helps construction teams stay on schedule, minimizing delays and allowing projects to be completed faster.
"For contractors and builders, this increased efficiency means better project outcomes and satisfied clients," added TER.
Modern truck cranes are designed with safety in mind. Today's rigs are equipped with technology and safety systems to reduce the risk of accidents.
Load sensors, stability controls and precision lifting mechanisms ensure that materials are handled safely and securely, noted TER. "These safety features not only keep workers safe but also help prevent damage to materials and equipment. With truck cranes, construction teams can work confidently, knowing that the risk of accidents is minimized and jobsite safety remains a top priority."
Every construction project is unique, and truck cranes are built to adapt to different requirements. Plus, a rig can be tailored to the specific job requirements.
And, as TER points out, they come in various sizes and configurations, making them suitable for both large-scale construction jobs and smaller projects.
Whether a contractor needs to lift heavy equipment, transport materials or perform precise placement tasks, truck cranes adapt to nearly any job environment.
"Hydraulic truck cranes are a marvel of engineering that combine robust strength with precision control," blogged rental company Maxim Crane Works. "These machines rely on a complex system of components that work together to provide the strength and accuracy needed for heavy lifting tasks."
From the cab to the cables, hydraulic truck cranes are built to handle any task a contractor takes on. To begin with, these cranes are distinguishable by their enclosed cabs, notes Maxim. The cab serves as the operational headquarters for crane operators.
Comprehensive controls and a protective environment shields operators from the elements as they maneuver the crane and lift loads.
"Central to the crane's design is its steel base, providing a sturdy platform for operations," said Maxim.
Their mobility makes hydraulic truck cranes so versatile, as they can be driven to the location where they are needed. This design feature eliminates the need for additional transportation, such as a trailer, driver and potentially a transport guide vehicle.
The crane's boom is extendable to reach varying heights and distances and responsible for "impressive" vertical and horizontal reach, said Maxim.
The reach allows the crane to lift heavy items from one point and place them accurately at another. With its telescopic capabilities, the boom also provides elevation for controlling load movements through hydraulic cylinders.
The jib, an extension of the boom, offers additional lifting range and flexibility, according to Maxim.
"Together, the boom and jib allow for a wide range of movement and positioning, enabling the crane to lift loads from different angles and heights."
The company added that these components work in tandem to make hydraulic truck cranes versatile and powerful machines.
The truck crane's outriggers, stabilizing the rig during lifting operations, prevent tipping by distributing the load evenly.
"These components, coupled with the crane's other features, grant it impressive stability," said Maxim.
The outriggers enable the crane "to lift heavy loads efficiently and accurately," the company said.
Counterweights are typically added or removed from their tray to balance the crane's weight according to the load requirements.
Load moment indicators (LMIs) are designed to alert the operator if a lift is approaching the cranes maximum capacity.
Maxim considers LMIs "an essential feature" to prevent overloading and potential accidents, making it a critical component. The Rotex gear allows the crane to swivel smoothly, offering full 360-degree movement, said the crane provider.
"It's usually controlled by a joystick controller located in the operator's cab enabling the crane to rotate and position loads with precision."
High-strength steel cables anchor loads to the crane for proper and efficient lifting and positioning of the load.
"Their strength and durability are crucial for the proper execution of lifting operations," said Maxim.
Contractors working with a truck crane provider need to have several specifications in mind when deciding on the right crane size for the job.
Once you've determined the load weight and dimensions, you can figure what you'll need in maximum lifting capacity.
As Maxim advises, determining the lifting capacity you need
is crucial to ensure the crane can handle your intended load. This value varies from model to model and is detailed in the manufacturer's load charts, which the operator and lift planner should know how to read.
Knowing a particular crane models' boom length and reach capabilities, you can determine how far and high the crane can lift. Additional reach can be achieved with the use of jibs, extending the boom's length and providing greater flexibility.
Figuring the maximum working radius gives you the furthest distance from the crane's center point to the load. This figure affects the crane's lift capabilities.
Maximum lift height represents the highest point to which the crane can lift a load. It's an essential factor for projects involving tall structures or components. The maximum height at the tip of the jib or boom is vital for understanding the crane's full vertical reach.
Maxim preaches that load charts are "indispensable tools" for any crane operation. Load charts provide "detailed information about the crane's lifting capacities under various configurations and conditions."
Factors like boom length, load radius and the specific setup of the crane all influence its actual lifting capabilities.
A contractor should "always refer to the manufacturer's load charts for precise technical specifications and safe operation guidelines," stresses Maxim.
Offering the crew the ability to be prepped and ready to work in a shorter timeframe, hydraulic truck cranes help to keep projects on schedule.
"The flexibility and mobility offered by hydraulic truck cranes contribute significantly to their practicality on construction sites," said Maxim.
They are equipped to navigate through different terrains and relocate easily from one site to another. That capability makes truck cranes "invaluable in scenarios where multiple lifts are required across spread-out locations," said the crane provider.
Plus, their compactness and relatively lightweight design, despite their robust lifting capabilities, allow for ease of use and maneuverability. That maneuverability ensures they can be used in tight spaces where larger cranes may not fit.
Hydraulic truck cranes are integral to all kinds of construction projects. They facilitate the lifting and positioning of heavy materials.
Truck cranes are ideal for lifting shipping containers, concrete beams for bridges, and metal frames for buildings. These rigs also are essential for assembling heavy crane parts and lifting steel beams and precast concrete panels.
In the realm of transportation infrastructure, hydraulic truck cranes play a pivotal role, believes Maxim.
In airport projects they help in the development of complex structures and facilities. They also are crucial for laying down the intricate network of railways that facilitate travel and commerce.
"Bridge construction is another significant application, requiring the cranes' precision and ability to lift heavy loads," blogged Maxim.
Where alternative energy is concerned, truck cranes also are used to erect wind turbines, and in installing large solar panels efficiently on solar farms.
In power plant construction, hydraulic truck cranes are essential for building and maintaining vital power infrastructure.
Maxim notes the construction of oil and natural gas pipelines depends on these cranes to lift and accurately place heavy pipes.
In specialized applications, truck cranes are often chosen for tree removal projects as well as in emergency response and disaster recovery efforts.
"Their flexibility and strength make them suitable for a wide range of challenging environments and tasks," said Maxim. CQ
This story also appears on Crane Equipment Guide.
Lucy Perry has 30 years of experience covering the U.S. construction industry. She has served as Editor of paving and lifting magazines, and has created content for many national and international construction trade publications. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she has a Journalism degree from Louisiana State University, and is an avid fan of all LSU sports. She resides in Kansas City, Missouri, with her husband, who has turned her into a major fan of the NFL Kansas City Chiefs. When she's not chasing after Lucy, their dachshund, Lucy likes to create mixed-media art.