Rigger trucks aid project customization and versatility

Rigger trucks are the Swiss Army knives of the heavy lift sector – versatile, sturdy and adaptable. Adding to the machine’s value, a wide range of attachments can equip rigger trucks for a various picking and lifting needs. From forks to jibs, these add-ons allow users to customize their equipment for all kinds of projects.

“A rigger truck brings you large amounts of capacity and some options as far a boom attachment go,” said Rob Keelan, vice president, Doral Equipment Rental. “Rigger truck capacities have grown over the years and have replaced cranes as well as gantries in some situations. We have a forklift with 120,000 pounds of capacity available for rent.”

Kay Reynolds of Taylor Machine Works described rigger trucks as machines that “offer large capacity in small packages.” Seen most commonly in industrial and plant settings that may require heavy lifting in intricate spaces, rigger trucks can pack a serious punch when it comes to getting the job done.

“Rigger trucks bring efficiency to a jobsite,” said Ben Forster, vice president, Riggers Manufacturing. “Reduced setup time and a minimal footprint allows for riggers to work smarter, and for customers to be back in operation sooner. These efficiencies allow for less overall disturbance to core manufacturing activities.”

ACT spoke with OEMs about their latest rigger trucks models and what they bring to the table.

Compact lifters

The rigging world is constantly required to lift heavier, and HMS Lift delivered the answer to this problem with its Brute Lift heavy chassis lineup. The latest additions to the product line are new heavy chassis machines, featuring three new models: the BT160-24HD, BT180-24HD and BT200-24HD Super Rigger. They are versatile, compact heavy lifters encompassing all the company’s previous options and more. The Brute Lifts are capable of lifting 160,000 to 200,000 pounds and can be disassembled to a weight of 64,000 pounds for transport.

Essential tool

Custom Mobile Equipment’s electric 40/60 Versa-Lift is one of the most essential forklifts on the market, the company said. The 40/60 Versa-Lift can lift up to 40,000 pounds with the base retracted or up to 60,000 pounds with the base extended. Able to enter clean rooms, food processing, pharmaceuticals and more, this particular model of Versa-Lift gives riggers situational handling in environments that standard forklifts can’t. Outfitted with a two-speed hydrostatic transmission, this electric unit doesn’t lose any power and maintains the precision movements.

Capacity and reach

Riggers Manufacturing produces the TriLifter, specifically designed to move heavy loads in confined spaces. It is perfect for moving heavy industrial machinery and equipment, and tilting and setting presses. Easy to transport, the TriLifter can be driven on and off a low-boy or tilt-deck under its own power. Digital display of load weight, boom and counterweight position, coupled with two-speed hydrostatic drives, permit precise handling in demanding and confining situations, the company said. Wide wheels spaced to distribute the weight of the TriLifter and its load minimizes floor loading. With boom extension up to 12 feet, the TriLifter can reach to the middle of most presses, tilt them up and set them in the pit. The boom extends horizontally, permitting lifts with little head room.