Power move: How loader cranes are getting smarter, safer and more efficient

Palfinger’s latest TEC series loader crane

The latest articulating loader (also known as knuckle boom) cranes launched to market are designed to tackle the challenges of restricted and confined sites, making them especially useful for urban lifting tasks where space is often tight.

Italian manufacturer Fassi launched its biggest crane to date, the F2350RL-HXP Techno. It can have as many as 18 hydraulic extensions. This new giant is designed to be installed on vehicles with a maximum overall weight of 40 tonnes.

The manufacturer says the inner boom, which is a metre longer than on its predecessor, the F2150RL, allows new heights to be reached in terms of outreach and lifting capacity thanks to the use of the new L956L, L957L and L958L hydraulic jibs.

Decagonal design

The X-Design decagonal (10-sided) section of the boom and extensions, combined with the FX990 electronic system, is designed to offer optimal distribution of stress and dynamic motion management. This configuration is to guarantee superior load capacity, above all in vertical configurations, and to improve the operating efficiency of the crane. Fassi says this design “redefines the boundaries of structural efficiency.”

It is also the first crane in the range to extend X-Design technology to the hydraulic jib.

The crane comes with the FSC Techno stability control system, which the manufacturer says allows the stability of the crane to be adapted to a range of operating conditions. The stabilisers are controlled remotely, which it says improves safety and precision.

The base of the crane is available in three versions (SB, MB and LB), and offers full personalisation, allowing it to be adapted to any vehicle setup.

With six stabilisers, two of which can be extended rearwards, it guarantees stability even in challenging operating conditions, Fassi says.

The crane comes with new firmware which aims to improve crane management including the IoC (Internet of Cranes) system which manages functions such as telemetry, fleet management and malfunction detection.

The system also calculates working hours remaining before the next service based on actual crane use. This allows machine downtime to be programmed with precision, optimising available time and guaranteeing constant and uninterrupted operation.

Fassi’s F1050R-HXP has a maximum of nine telescopic boom sections and there are jib options.

Fassi also has a new articulating loader crane in the heavy duty range.

The new 88.6 tonne-metre rated F1050R.2-HXP Techno replaces the F990RA. It raises the bar in terms of performance and technology, Fassi says.

Maximum vertical capacity is 15 per cent more than on the F990RA and horizontal lifting capacity is up by 6 %. Both these have been increased without increasing the weight of the structure.

Adding the L626 hydraulic jib increases reach by up to 40 % vertically and 90 % horizontally. The F1050R.2.9-L436 configuration adds a jib with six extensions to the crane which already has nine telescopic sections.

When operating with a winch there are permanent pulleys allowing the crane to be left reeved so it is quicker to set up for use after transport.

The crane has a slew ring for continuous rotation and has a powerlink on the base boom.

This crane also uses the FSC Techno control system which allow the crane to remain stable in different operating conditions. The manufacturer adds that the outriggers can be operated from the remote control transmitter which comes as standard. Its Dynamic Maintenance Assistant helps the operator plan when it needs attention, helping to prevent unplanned breakdowns.

At the end of 2024, lifting equipment manufacturer Hiab, part of Cargotec, added a new high capacity model to its extensive series of hydraulic loader cranes. The new Hiab iQ.708 HiPro is in the 60 to 70 tonne-metre class, putting it towards the top end of the medium to heavy load capacity range.

Benefits of the new design include more performance from a smaller and lighter package.

Maximum vertical reach is 40 metres and with a jib, it offers a so-called up and over reach of 26 metres. Up to nine boom extensions are available plus a jib can be specified with up to six.

Scalable design

The design follows a modular approach by having a scaled up dodecagonal (12-sided) V12-Power boom profile.

“The design philosophy behind the structure of the crane is to deliver a balance between performance and overall installation flexibility, enabling customers to benefit from more payload on a wide assortment of truck installations, which are key elements for the users in this segment,” says Stefano Brusa, Hiab director, global product management heavy and superheavy loader cranes.

The new model already has the top Space Evo control system and Hiab has also introduced the Synchronised Distance Control (SDC) function on this iQ.708 HiPro. It allows the load to be kept at a set distance from the crane’s tip by only having to operate extension movements.

Having to operate fewer controls at the same time makes life easier for the operator and helps improve safety, Hiab says. It is also useful for handling loads further away from the operator. Another function on the new model is the Load Stability System for vertical movements (LSS-V). It compensates for excessive lever movement when lifting.

The Variable Stability Logic Plus (VSL+) feature is to optimise capacity by monitoring the stabiliser legs. The CD4 remote control has three display screens plus haptic feedback for alerts and crane reactions.

Hiab’s new iQ.708 HiPro hydraulic loader crane in the 60 to 70 tonne-metre class.

Hiab also launched four new models in its eX.HiPro light and medium series. The new models are Hiab eX.142 HiPro, plus the 162, 192 and 232 versions, all of which are available in different configurations.

Efficiency is a key element of the new models. Hiab claims energy savings of up to 30 % thanks to the new hydraulic system. It is a pressure-compensated and load-sensing system optimised for high oil flow.

On a diesel truck, the Dynamic RPM and Automatic Start-Stop functions further improve fuel efficiency for minimal environmental impact.

The Hiab eX.192 HiPro is one of four new models in the light and medium range of hydraulic loader cranes.

Latest technology

Future-proofing includes compatibility with electric trucks and other vehicles.

The eX.HiPro models have the SpaceEvo control system, combined with the Olsbergs V200 valve and PFD function for simultaneous movements.

Commenting on the new models Barry McGrane, Hiab SVP light and medium loader cranes, says, “With our customers’ needs in mind, we created the Hiab eX.HiPro loader crane range to offer a leading market performance, substantial energy efficiency savings, superior capacity, speed and precision.”

Optional features include variable pump flow and crane tip control to add to the crane’s versatility.

Austrian crane and materials handling equipment manufacturer Palfinger’s latest new model is the PK 880 TEC, launched in April. The latest Connected plus+ technology is one of its key features, which includes the Job Planner function. This function helps to optimise the entire planning process and increase the safety of lifting operations by taking the specific crane setup on the vehicle, the planned outrigger situation and lifting capacity data all into account, Palfinger says.

The new model will be available to order in June this year in the EMEA region.

Palfinger launched its latest TEC series loader crane at April’s Bauma 2025 trade show in Germany.

Smart assistance systems increase efficiency and operator comfort, while its sensitive control system ensures top precision, the manufacturer says.

“When designing the new PK 880 TEC, we focused on creating a solution that truly meets the needs of our customers - especially the operators who rely on our products every day. With its advanced design, innovative features and improved weight, the PK 880 TEC is perfectly suited for operation in confined spaces,” says Alexander Susanek, Palfinger chief operating officer.

“Our TEC range of loader cranes now covers the 24 to 165 metre-tonne classes, further strengthening our position as the global market leader in this segment. And this is just the beginning – our pipeline is packed with exciting product innovations for various markets.”

Unveiled at the Bauma 2025 trade show, the PK 880 TEC has a lightweight and compact P-profile boom system. It is fitted with assistance systems, such as Slewing Lock (which prevents slewing of the crane in restricted areas), Memory Position (which allows repeated lifting operations to be carried out faster) and Leveling Assistant (which can save up to 80 % the levelling time through optimised setup), all of which aim to improve efficiency and operator comfort.

Electric power

The crane can be fitted with an Electric Power Unit meaning it can be operated with diesel or electric power. Palfinger says this option can extend working hours and enable use in noise- or emission-sensitive areas. It adds that the power unit can be used across several models and can therefore enhance the flexibility of a whole fleet.

A new lighting system further improves visibility. There are two working lights on the crane plus two working lights on the fly jib which spotlight the load while the working area is illuminated by additional LED strips under the boom.

Chinese manufacturer Zoomlion’s 72 and 62 tonne-metre truck mounted articulating hydraulic cranes are assembled in its German factory. They are designed to meet the EN12999 standard and carry CE certification. These were on show at Bauma 2025.

Chinese manufacturer Sany’s latest knuckle boom loader cranes, introduced in 2025, include the SPK Series, offering lifting capacities ranging from 3.3 to 21.5 tonnes and hydraulic outreach between 9.6 and 16 metres. Designed for efficiency and safety, these cranes feature overload protection systems and optional hydraulic functions for attachments to make them versatile for various applications.

Making moves

There have been several acquisitions of note in the articulating loader crane sector.

We reported when Italian knuckle boom crane manufacturer PM Group was acquired by Manitex in 2015. More recently, in September 2024, Japanese crane manufacturer Tadano started the process of acquiring the remaining shares in Manitex. The PM Group is now part of Tadano’s global portfolio, which the company says will enhance its presence in the North American market.

Dutch loader crane, hydraulics and materials handling manufacturing group Hyva’s acquisition by Jost has been completed. The initial sale and purchase agreement was signed in late October 2024.

Since starting out in 1979, Hyva has been expanded into a global business with 14 production facilities in Brazil, China, Germany, India, Italy, and Mexico. It acquired loader crane manufacturer Amco Veba, also from Italy, in 2007 which, in turn had acquired fellow Italian loader crane manufacturer F.lli Ferrari in 2002. Hyva recently introduced its new 40 tonne-metre and 60 tonne-metre Edge Line cranes, designed for high-capacity lifting.

Jost is a manufacturer based in Germany specialising in products for commercial and agricultural vehicles, including fifth wheel couplings and container twist locks. It says Hyva’s range of products will add to Jost’s on-highway applications in the transport industry, plus off-highway applications in construction and agriculture.

Commenting on the acquisition Joachim Dürr, Jost Werke SE CEO, says, “With the Hyva brand as part of the Jost World, we are strengthening our business structure, customer base, and market positioning. Together, we will expand our global footprint, enrich our portfolio for transport and agriculture businesses, and boost our potential in the infrastructure industry.”

Boat lift

In December 2020, a landslip on the Aire and Calder Navigation, a vital waterway in West Yorkshire, UK, caused significant damage to its embankments. To tackle this, The Rothen Group relied on a high-capacity crane boat as the focal point of the repair effort.

Due to the canal’s three metre depth, traditional land-based repair methods were not possible. The team deployed a floating platform with a stability-legged crane boat, which allowed them to work directly on the water. This setup provided a stable base for installing cantilever piles, stabilising the embankment and preventing further collapse.

The crane boat played a key role in accessing remote sections of the canal where conventional equipment couldn’t reach. By using the crane to position and drive the cantilever piles into the ground, the team was able to secure the embankment despite the challenging conditions.

Ian Rothen, managing director at The Rothen Group, said, “We know that the Aire and Calder Navigation serves a very important purpose. When we got to site, we knew our mission was not just to repair the damaged wash walls, but also to prevent the issue from happening again.”