Truck-mounted cranes, also known as boom trucks, differ from other types of cranes. With options like telescopic jibs, detachable work platforms, wireless remote controls and an available digger package, boom trucks are about far more than just lifting materials!
Do you know how to ask the right questions to customize the perfect boom truck for you? In this blog, we’ll help you figure out what’s right for you and your business.
How much do you need to lift and where will you be placing it? By knowing how much you need to lift and where you will be placing the load, you can quickly review model specific load charts to determine which model will meet your needs! Elliott boom trucks feature a range of rated capacities from 10 to 50 tons, with a wide range of boom lengths and tip heights up to 207 feet.
While generally maxed out at 60 tons, boom trucks often have longer booms than other cranes, allowing for placing loads at greater height or further distances from the centerline.
What work do you do? Because boom truck cranes are mounted on a chassis, you have the opportunity to add upfitting or body work to best suit your application. Some variables that influence which machine is best include whether your application calls for heavy- or light-weight trucks, extensive driving time, or use on rough terrain.
Electrical contractors who work far from a right of way are different from a roofer or HVAC contractor who may be operating on paved conditions the majority of the time. Oilfield units can range from pipe delivery to wireline work calling on a multi-functional machine. Railroad and forestry professionals have their own unique needs.
Will you be using the crane to lift people? Boom trucks can be optionally equipped with work platforms that enable them to position people in addition to lifting loads. With an Elliott boom truck, work platforms come standard with a two-person detachable gravity-leveled steel basket with a hydraulic lifting system. Range diagrams and load charts can be found inside the basket for quick reference.
Do you anticipate any set up challenges? When your application takes you off-road, more cribbing is generally required due to uneven terrain. This may warrant the use of out and down outriggers, EZ crib outriggers with extended vertical stroke, a 6×6 or 8×8 chassis, and mounting your boom truck on a tracked carrier.
For work in more urban areas, it may be necessary to work in confined spaces. Options like our SuperLink “A” Frame outrigger short jacking option and out-and-down outriggers allow for vertical and midspan placement to maximize performance and versatility. Our patented superlink outrigger system allows you to deploy either A-frame outrigger straight down and have a full capacity, 180-degree load chart on the opposite side that is fully extended.
Will your work require 360 degree operation? Work area definitions can allow for different charts in different positions, impacting mounting and outriggers. For example, a crane mounted over a rear axle will allow greater lifting over the back of the truck as the chassis will provide counterweight. A crane mounted right behind the truck cab will generally allow for more bed storage, but may require a front stabilizer, especially if used in 360-degree operation. Boom trucks can also be customized with a ‘Command Post’ seated control station that rotates 360 degrees with the boom to provide optimized visibility and operator comfort.
WIll the main boom be enough? If your job calls for just a bit longer reach than what the powered boom can achieve, you can add an additional manual swing around section, or jib. Jibs come in one- and two-section varieties. A two-section jib can reach an additional 55 feet, giving you over 30% more reach in many cases.
Will you have other special needs on the job site? You can equip your crane with accessories to help you do your job quickly and efficiently. Elliott BoomTrucks are qualified for even the most specific applications, from setting trusses, lifting coil tubing, working dockside or raising materials to height. We can also equip your boom truck with functions and accessories like a post hole digger, pole handler, seated controls, tilted cab, railgear, clamshells and many other options that will allow you to do the work of two machines (or more) with a single piece of equipment.
In summary, Elliott specializes in listening to your needs and collaborating with you to provide the solution you need to enhance productivity, efficiency and safety on the job. Learn more about how to choose the right boom truck for the job by downloading our whitepaper!