Knuckleboom trucks are vehicles that have a built-in articulating crane mounted on a truck or trailer chassis and have the ability to articulate 360 degrees. They are commercially utilized for lifting and transporting materials from one site to another. This vehicle differs from the normal crane truck by the bend in the middle of the boom that makes it look like the bend in a knuckle, which accounts for the name of ‘knuckleboom.’
Greatly favored in Europe, knuckleboom trucks are gaining rapid favor in North America due to better understanding of the benefits offered by its use. Demand is increasing for this versatile member of the crane truck family and the numerous benefits are listed here.
Advantages of Knuckleboom Trucks
- Increased control – One impressive advantage of this vehicle is the ability of the operator to have more precise load control. The load can be placed almost anywhere desired, which is certainly more efficient than the traditional crane truck. The cutting-edge technology of today allows the operator to choose different controlling devices including: stand-up control, ground control, top-seat control or wireless radio remote.
- Lower profile – Unlike other types of cranes, the cranes on this vehicle can extend a long way at a lower height, allowing for greater control of the load being moved.
- Versatility – Aside from the maneuverability of this vehicle in the working area, manufacturers have increased the scope of its usage. They are generally lighter than the regular crane trucks and better able to handle small-space jobs. They can also be modified to perform many special jobs.
- Increased payload capacity – The articulated knuckleboom can be folded into a compact size which allows its truck bed to have more space to hold more payloads.
- Long reaches – Manufacturers of knuckleboom trucks have extended the boom length as far as 92 feet to reach materials from further distances. Safety is ensured since the boom is usually made of high tensile steel to withstand breakage even if it is extended to its maximum reach. It is also equipped with an overloading detection device which helps prevent the hazard of overloading and going beyond the capacity of the boom to lift heavy objects.
Types of Functionality
- Articulation – Knuckleboom trucks can continuously rotate 360 degrees with ease that facilitates loading and unloading even if there are many obstacles in the working area. The mounted crane can pivot from left to right and vice versa, thus increasing productivity.
- Folding Capacity – The crane’s capability to fold into a compact size gives the advantage of carrying a larger payload on the same vehicle.
- Transportability – The crane is mounted on the knuckleboom truck which allows for easy transportation from one location to another.
- Stability – Providing good stability is essential when choosing knuckleboom trucks. These vehicles are now equipped with hydraulic outriggers to promote safety and prevent potential hazards while at work.
The advantages of knuckleboom trucks are numerous. One benefit not yet mentioned is that the lighter-weight versions do not require a licensed crane operator to use the crane, which can indeed save a great deal of money. Hopefully, this article has helped you learn more about the versatile and beneficial knuckleboom trucks; they can indeed help your business!
Christoper Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. If you are interested in learning more about Knuckleboom Trucks, go to the main website at: http://www.centraltrucksales.net/home.
