Load King Stinger 19-70 Boom Truck, 19 ton crane mounted on a chassis

The construction industry creates roughly 1.3 billion dollars worth of buildings every year in the United States. One of the most common pieces of equipment used on construction sites is the crane.

Amongst all the different types to choose from, crane trucks make transportation easy. Not to mention they help speed the building process along. However, within the crane truck category, there are many different options—including the truck crane and the boom truck.

These two terms seem interchangeable on the surface, but they are not the same. To learn about the difference between a truck crane and a boom truck, keep reading.

The Boom Truck

A boom truck is a commercial truck with a hydraulic crane attached to its chassis. This structure gave manufacturers plenty of room to create several variations of the boom truck.

The fixed cab is a standard truck with the boom lift on the back. The driver can operate the boom from the front. The downfall of this option is that the person operating the machine cannot see where it is going.

With the swing cab, the operating booth attaches to the lift and, therefore, moves with it. Some have open riding seats, which don’t protect a worker from the outdoor elements. However, they also shift in the same direction as the crane, making it easier for the operator to see what they are doing.

Furthermore, there are fifth-wheel tractors with a boom lift mounted on the back. Sometimes the boom lift faces the front of the vehicle, and the machine sits in the back. Manufacturers refer to this placement as a rear mount.

Boom Truck Crane Types

There are a couple of different types of booms too. Telescopic booms work well on uneven terrain or when there’s a tough spot that workers need to access.

The second type is the articulating lift, which is known for its ability to bend, not so much for its height. The joint in the extension makes it easy to adjust the crane to a precise size and place. It is also useful for workers to get around objects.

Both types of cranes come with the option of having a man basket at the end.

Industries Commonly Using Boom Trucks

The industries that use boom trucks include power and electricity, oil and gas, and commercial roofing.

These lifts come in handy when checking the pressure and the depth of an oil well before drilling occurs. Powerline companies will use boom trucks to keep branches from interfering with electricity and landlines. Even treescaping companies will use them to remove dead limbs.

Construction sites need lifts when putting gravel on flat roofs. This method prevents heat and water exposure, which helps it last longer. It’s also common for drywall companies to use them when building high-rise structures.

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The Truck Crane

Unlike the boom truck, the truck crane was specifically built to transport the hydraulic crane using its purpose-built carrier. To fully understand a truck crane’s capabilities, though, one needs to know the different types that are available.

Truck Crane Types

The construction industry uses tower cranes for many of its projects. These are popular because they can reach heights of over 100 feet and carry objects that weigh thousands of pounds.

The crawler crane is unique because instead of wheels, it has tracks, which help it maneuver around the construction site with ease. Because of its traction capabilities, it can move around sandy sites without getting stuck. Not to mention, it has impeccable stability.

Just like its name states, the all-terrain crane excels on paved roads and uneven surfaces. Their multiple axles allow them to do so, and when they have crab steer capabilities, the operator can move in any direction. Additionally, they can withstand harsh weather conditions so that workers can use them at any time of the year.

With all-wheel steering and a low center of gravity, rough-terrain cranes remain steady and secure when navigating through snow, mud, or gravel-covered grounds. Due to its large tires and slow speed, workers cannot drive down public roads in one like they can with the all-terrain crane.

Industries Commonly Using Truck Cranes

Because truck cranes serve many purposes, numerous industries use them. In addition to industrial construction companies, chemical plants, oil companies, and agricultural sectors all need these cranes to handle their equipment and products.

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What They Have in Common

When it comes down to it, the thing that boom trucks and truck cranes have in common is that they can access high locations. They lift and place heavy-duty equipment to and from those areas. Additionally, construction sites all around the world use them both because of their versatility and efficiency.

Need To Purchase a Crane?

Knowing about different cranes and the conditions in which they best operate helps make the construction process a lot smoother. No matter what kind of project you are doing or what type of crane you need, Custom Truck One Source has got you covered.

With twenty-six locations across North America and plenty of sales and rental options, it’s easy to get top-notch truck cranes and boom trucks. Fill out this form today and get a quote.