How truck cranes offer cost savings for lifting work

“What’s great about truck cranes is that they can be used in a number of different applications – they’re quite flexible machines,” says JJ Grace, product manager for truck-mounted cranes at Manitowoc.

Link-Belt’s latest truck crane, the 110 tonne capacity 120|HTLB, was first shown at the 2023 ConExpo construction equipment exhibition. (Photo: Link-Belt)

“Truck cranes can really do any kind of work. General construction, housing, HVAC work. They can be used in oil fields.”

Cost effective

Depending on the job and transport requirements of a project, a truck crane can be a more cost-efficient solution than other crane types.

USA-based crane manufacturer Link-Belt Cranes says “the main difference in design constraints between a truck crane and other crane types is the on-highway transport requirement.

“A truck crane, depending on the market and machine size may be able to transport some or all its counterweight stack. This provides huge cost savings for the customer in reducing the need for overflow truckloads and time savings when setting the machine up on the job site.”

Link-Belt’s most recent truck crane is the 110 tonne capacity 120|HTLB truck crane, which was first shown at the ConExpo 2023 exhibition in Las Vegas, USA.

The 120|HTLB offers a reach of 60 metres and boasts a seven section pin and latch boom with optional 17.7 metre two or three-piece offset SmartFly that combines for a maximum tip height of 80.3 metres.

Longer boom

“Phase two of the 120|HT project included an option for a longer boom,” says Andrew Soper, product manager for telescopic truck and all terrain cranes.

“The customer feedback and buy-in from the 120|HT since its launch in 2021 highlighted that cranes’ overall performance in the market. Customer fleets across North America are looking for this combination of reach and chart.”

The 120|HTLB is built on the same platform as the 120|HT and has improved disc brakes and V-CALC outrigger positioning. Power comes from a Cummins X12 engine and the machine can move at speeds up to 62 miles per hour (100 km/h).

The truck crane also has Link-Belt’s Smart Stack counterweight detection system which the company says makes counterweight setup easier.

Link-Belt says it has maintained excellent capacities with its latest model, which still charts competitively with similarly sized four-axle all terrain cranes in the market.

Tech up

Japanese manufacturer Tadano announced two new truck cranes for the US and Canadian markets at ConExpo 2023 – GT-1200XL-2 and GT-800XL-2.

Japanese manufacturer Tadano launched its GT-800XL-2 truck crane for the USA market at the ConExpo 2023 trade show. (Photo: Tadano)

Also powered by a Cummins X12 engine, the GT-1200XL-2 has a pinned five section 51 metre boom, while the GT-800XL-2 boasts a full-power five section 47 metre boom.

Leveraging technology from its rough terrain range, the models carry a whole host of features, including Tadano’s crane control system AML-E, new cab tilt functionality, Smart Chart system, and telematics system Hello-Net.

Tadano’s customer-centric approach to design incorporates regional road regulations.

“Regional traffic regulations and permitting requirements play a significant role in determining the design of truck cranes,” says a spokesperson for the company.

“Parameters such as carrier width, axle distance, and counterweights are carefully considered to ensure compliance and flexibility in meeting various regulatory standards. By incorporating these elements into the design, we can ensure that our truck cranes can easily navigate different jurisdictions without logistical hindrances.”

Tadano’s other models, the GT-300EL-3, GT-600EL-3 and GT-750EL-3, are sold in various global markets, including Asia, Oceania and Central and South America. They can be adapted to different local regulations, such as having the steering wheel on the left or right, for example.

Tadano’s GT-750EL-3 truck crane can be adapted for various global markets, including Asia and South America. (Photo: Tadano)

Road regulations

Other manufacturers look at regional requirements when designing a new truck crane. Manufacturer Manitowoc designed its TMS875-2 specifically for California in the USA.

When it comes to designing and implementing new crane technology, Link-Belt says it responds to its customer demands whilst also tracking regulatory changes in the country.

“Road regulations change frequently between regions in the US and we constantly track these changes through industry partners such as Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association,” says Link-Belt. “Ever-changing emission requirements are also a factor when designing new truck cranes.

Link-Belt offers models for different regions. For the North American market, it offers EPA and CARB compliant engine packages for its single engine cranes (65|HT, HTC-8675, HTC-86100, HTC-86110 and 120|HT).

“When Link-Belt designs a truck crane, we are building a crane from the ground up. We can position axles or change the frame design to get the best transport and lift performance. We can integrate the lifting performance of a truck crane into the transportation performance of the crane.”

Customer considerations

“The voice of the customer is always essential, but we also try to stay ahead of the game. In the design phase we must produce on-highway products that are transportable in all 50 states as well as 13 Canadian territories and provinces.”

Grove’s TTS9000-2 is a rear-steer version of its 100 tonne capacity truck mounted crane. (Photo: Manitowoc)

Customer concerns also dictate crane design at Manitowoc, “Customers are concerned about weight,” adds Grace. “They want to carry the most amount of counterweight while meeting roading regulations and want to see strong load charts for those weights. The goal is to eliminate fall-off loads. Every fall-off load the customer takes costs time and money.

“Ample storage space on the crane is another common request by customers. They want to haul as much gear as possible on the crane and cut an extra truck. Tow hitches are becoming more popular with customers to pull a trailer or small pickup truck behind the crane.

“Across the Grove truck crane lineup in general, as road laws keep getting stricter, we strive to strike a balance between higher capacities, more boom length and weight.

“Demand remains solid for Grove truck mounted cranes, particularly in the rental and taxi crane markets, due to their easy roading, strong load charts, and single-person setup.”

A power luffing extension is available on Grove’s TTS9000-2 truck crane. (Photo: Manitowoc)

The latest Grove truck cranes are the TTS9000-2, the TMS800-2, and the TMS875-2.

These models have new advantages over previous units, including the CCS (Crane Control System), which is now in its entire truck crane lineup and the carriers are lighter so they can be on the road in more US states.

“When comparing the TMS800-2 with its older model, we have a series of operator comfort and ergonomics improvements, such as cabins with more space, and upgraded control panels.

“Another major point is our lifting capacities,” adds Grace. “They have increased dramatically in recent years. The TMS800-2 is about 50 per cent stronger than its previous model, making it more competitive in the market. By lightening up the carrier we can carry more counterweights, which means stronger charts. Whether it be taxi configurations or if your guy takes a fall-off load and brings the other counterweights, there are huge advantages from the older models to our new cranes.”

New and updated truck cranes continue to be launched to meet the various parameters of different regional road regulations. Manufacturer Tadano says to “stay tuned” as the company is “developing new products that are reliable, innovative, and eco-conscious,” suggesting even newer models are on their way to market.