Choose straight boom or folding boom for truck-mounted crane?

When it comes to purchasing a truck-mounted crane, one of the crucial decisions that buyers face is whether to choose a straight boom crane or a folding boom crane. This choice can have a significant impact on the performance and suitability of the crane for specific applications. Many people are uncertain about which option to go for, as both types have their own unique advantages and considerations. The author has specially consulted professionals from truck-mounted crane manufacturers to help us understand what kind of crane should be chosen.

The cargo cannot exceed the height of the boom. During vehicle driving, the lower part of the straight boom crane’s boom is horizontally placed between the vehicle cab and the vehicle compartment, and the boom is longitudinally placed on the compartment. This configuration ensures that the cargo being transported does not exceed the height of the boom. This limitation can be both an advantage and a disadvantage depending on the specific application.

For example, in some transportation scenarios where there are height restrictions on roads or in tunnels, the straight boom crane’s fixed height can be beneficial as it ensures compliance with these restrictions. However, if the cargo is taller than the boom height, it may require additional handling or a different type of transportation solution.

The telescopic boom truck-mounted crane has a wider working radius. Under the same boom length, the telescopic boom truck-mounted crane can also expand the working depth by lengthening the wire hook. This feature gives it an advantage in applications where a greater reach and depth are required. For instance, in construction sites where materials need to be lifted and placed at a distance or in deep excavations, the ability to extend the working depth can be crucial.

In contrast, the folding boom crane is not as easy to complete tasks that require a deeper working depth. Its design may limit its reach and depth capabilities, making it less suitable for applications where these factors are critical.

The telescopic boom of a straight boom crane is easier to control vertical takeoff and landing. It adopts the lifting structure of wire rope retraction and release, which can strictly control the takeoff and landing of the lifted object. This level of control is important for ensuring safe and precise operations. When lifting delicate or heavy objects, the ability to control the movement accurately can prevent accidents and damage to the load.

However, the folding boom truck-mounted crane uses hydraulic cylinders and it is difficult to control the vertical lifting and lowering of the lifted object. The hydraulic system may not provide the same level of precision as the wire rope retraction and release mechanism of the straight boom crane. This can make it more challenging to perform tasks that require fine-tuned control.

The operation of the telescopic boom truck-mounted crane is relatively simple. The telescopic boom truck-mounted crane adopts the lifting structure of wire rope retraction and release by drum, and the operation is relatively straightforward. This simplicity can be advantageous for operators who may not have extensive experience with complex machinery.

On the other hand, the folding boom truck-mounted crane is relatively loose in structure, which is conducive to the dispersion of the vehicle’s load. Moreover, the center of gravity is also far from the installation position. Especially when lifting heavy objects, it is more conducive to dispersing the axle load of the chassis. However, for the truck-mounted crane with folding boom, whether it is center-mounted or rear-mounted, due to its relatively concentrated structure, the center of gravity is easy to be concentrated on a certain axle of the chassis, and often a large load is generated on a certain axle, which is not conducive to the installation of the whole vehicle.

This difference in load distribution can affect the stability and performance of the vehicle. The straight boom crane’s simpler operation and more even load distribution can make it a more reliable choice in some applications.

The boom does not affect the loading of goods. During vehicle driving, the folding boom crane is horizontally placed in a folded state between the vehicle cab and the compartment. This configuration allows for seamless loading and unloading of goods without the interference of the crane boom. This can be a significant advantage for applications where frequent loading and unloading of cargo is required.

For example, in logistics and transportation operations where time is of the essence, the ability to quickly load and unload goods without having to worry about the position of the crane boom can increase efficiency and productivity.

The folding boom has higher working efficiency. Since the folding boom adopts a boom connection mechanism formed by multiple hydraulic cylinders similar to a joint, it can complete actions faster and has a quicker response time compared to the straight boom crane. This makes it ideal for applications where speed and efficiency are crucial.

While the large truck-mounted crane picture of telescopic boom (straight boom) adopts a lifting structure of wire rope retraction and release by a drum. When the drum rotates forward to take up the rope, the hook rises. When it rotates in reverse to release the rope, the hook descends. Its working efficiency is relatively low compared to the folding boom crane.

For instance, in construction projects with tight deadlines or high-volume lifting tasks, the folding boom crane’s ability to perform actions quickly can make a significant difference in meeting project schedules.

The folding boom is more suitable for narrow working environments such as factories and warehouses. This is determined by its structure. The folding boom can be maneuvered and operated in confined spaces where the straight boom crane may not be able to fit or operate effectively.

For example, in industrial settings where space is limited and there are many obstacles, the folding boom crane can navigate through narrow aisles and work around machinery and equipment. While the telescopic boom requires more space for deployment due to its structure, the folding boom can be extended and retracted in a more compact manner.

The folding boom can be equipped with various auxiliary tools. The folding boom adopts a hydraulic cylinder device to form a device similar to a joint-arm manipulator. It can be equipped with auxiliary tools such as aerial work platforms, work buckets, clamps, hanging baskets, plate forks, various grabs, augers, tire installation manipulators and pile pullers. This versatility makes it a multi-functional tool that can perform a wide range of tasks.

In contrast, since the front end of the telescopic boom is a flexible wire rope, it is not convenient to install auxiliary tools. This limits the straight boom crane’s ability to perform specialized tasks that require these additional tools.

For example, in construction and maintenance operations where different tools are needed for different tasks, the folding boom crane’s ability to be equipped with various auxiliary tools can save time and money by reducing the need for multiple pieces of equipment.

The folding boom occupies less space of the whole vehicle. The occupied space is obvious at a glance. When transporting goods, the folding boom can retract the entire boom together, occupying relatively less space. While the telescopic boom can only be placed horizontally, and it occupies more space when the vehicle is driving.

This can be an important consideration for applications where space is limited or where the vehicle needs to navigate through narrow passages or park in tight spaces. The folding boom crane’s compact design allows for greater flexibility in transportation and storage.

The price of the folding boom is relatively higher than that of the telescopic boom. The folding boom structure is relatively more complex, and the precision requirements are also higher. Generally, the manufacturing cost is also relatively higher. The telescopic boom has a simple structure, and the manufacturing precision requirements are relatively lower. Generally, the cost is relatively lower.

This price difference needs to be weighed against the specific needs and budget of the buyer. While the folding boom crane may offer more advanced features and capabilities, its higher price may not be feasible for all applications.

In conclusion, the choice between a straight boom and a folding boom truck-mounted crane depends on several factors, including the specific application, working environment, budget, and required features. Straight boom cranes offer advantages such as wider working radius and depth, easier control of vertical takeoff and landing, simpler operation, and more even load distribution. On the other hand, folding boom cranes are better suited for narrow working environments, have higher working efficiency, can be equipped with various auxiliary tools, occupy less space, and do not interfere with cargo loading. By carefully considering these factors, buyers can make an informed decision and choose the crane that best meets their needs.