If you are looking for multi-purpose engineering vehicles for rural construction, power maintenance, material distribution and quarry work in Africa, Middle East and other overseas markets, the truck mounted crane, also known as loader crane, lorry loader or crane truck, is a practical special commercial vehicle worth knowing. It integrates a hydraulic crane on a standard truck chassis, combining cargo transport and lifting function in one machine, different from ordinary flatbed trucks, dump trucks and independent mobile cranes.https://www.hjtrailer.com/construction-machinery/truck-mounted-crane/knuckle-boom-truck-mounted-crane.html
The main structure of a truck mounted crane includes truck chassis, hydraulic crane boom, outriggers, power take-off (PTO) system and flat cargo bed. There are two common boom types: telescopic straight boom and knuckle folding boom. The PTO transfers engine power to the hydraulic pump, driving the boom to extend, rotate and lift goods. Before lifting, the outriggers must be fully stretched to keep the whole truck stable and avoid tipping risk. Many customers choose RHD truck mounted crane to match local right-hand drive traffic regulations.
Core advantages
- All-in-one function, save cost It can transport cargo and lift goods by itself. You do not need to rent a separate crane for loading and unloading. One truck finishes the whole work, which greatly reduces fleet investment.
- Good mobility It runs on public roads directly and moves quickly between multiple construction sites. Compared with large mobile cranes, it is easier to reach remote villages, mountain construction zones and narrow sites.
- Wide adaptability Different lifting tonnage options are available, from small 2-ton cranes up to heavy 20-ton and larger versions. It can also install auxiliary attachments such as grapples and work baskets for extra tasks.
Common application scenarios
Truck mounted cranes are widely used for construction material delivery, electric power maintenance, tree transplanting and landscaping, pipeline installation, farm equipment transportation, quarry small stone handling and municipal engineering. It is very popular for small contractors and service teams that frequently move and lift heavy spare parts and building materials.
Important buying tips
When selecting a crane truck, you need to distinguish lifting capacity, boom type, chassis brand and axle layout (4x2, 6x4). The rated lifting weight is measured at a certain working radius; the lifting capacity drops when the boom stretches farther. Safe devices such as load moment limiter and emergency stop valve are essential.
As a factory direct truck exporter with no middlemen, we supply HOWO, Foton, JMC and Dongfeng truck mounted cranes, both LHD and RHD available. Every crane truck passes hydraulic test, lifting test and full pre-shipment inspection. We also provide spare parts supply and online after-sales technical support for global buyers.
If you search for loader crane, lorry loader, telescopic boom crane truck or construction lifting truck for your project, this guide helps you understand what a truck mounted crane is and judge whether it fits your haulage and lifting business.







