The Versatility Of The Knuckle Boom Crane
The knuckle boom crane is an efficient and versatile piece of equipment, with a clear deck for payload as well as the ability to load and unload itself. Traditionally more prevalent in European markets, the knuckle crane is articulated and thus more useful in areas with narrower streets and smaller spaces. The knuckle boom crane is essentially built as a normal crane, with the exception being the boom which is hinged in the middle, similar to a knuckle. The benefit of the hinged boom is decreased distance between the crane and load being lifted, which ensures less motion and increased control.
Enjoying an increase in popularity over the past five years, the knuckle booms still faces heavy competition from the more traditionally accepted stiff boom cranes. However, in recent years the knuckle boom has overcome much of its reach and extension limitations and is thus far more able to compete on a level playing field with the stiff booms. A rise in demand for knuckle boom trucks has also led to the knuckle boom crane gaining ground in the market place. A factor in the knuckle booms increased popularity is that with the use of one of the smaller knuckle booms, the need for a certified crane operator is eradicated. This is due to the fact that certain knuckle booms fall below the 15,000 pounds weight capacity maximum, or 25-foot of boom maximum.
The knuckle boom has three defining benefits over and above other cranes. The first is its articulation, which allows for small and intricate movements. It makes loading and unloading that much easier, even when the site it is being utilised at is full of obstacles. The second benefit is the cranes ability to fold into itself, saving storage space when the crane is travelled. The third benefit is that knuckle boom cranes are generally much lighter than their knuckle boom truck counterparts.
Often compared to the drywall boom crane, also known as the wallboard crane, the knuckle boom's major difference is the articulation discussed above. The ways the two cranes are travelled and stored differ as the wallboard crane cannot fold like the knuckle boom. To travel, the drywall crane is parked above the deck, leaving most of the truck bed clear for stacking material. In fact, in Europe, wallboard delivery is just seen as one more job that the knuckle boom is capable of performing. Crane boom repair regulations still remain a controversial subject. Manufacturers maintain that crane owners should return damaged cranes to them, although it would be ultimately quicker and more cost effective to utilise more local independent boom repair specialists. The same still applies for knuckle booms.
The knuckle boom crane is a versatile piece of machinery, with a growth in popularity attributed to its range of applications. It can be used for everything from road construction through to lifting, carrying and moving jobs. Its versatility is best shown through the range of attachments that have been utilised by manufacturers to turn the knuckle boom into a specialised piece of machinery for whatever job is required. The knuckle boom crane is a fully-folding, easily transportable, light weight crane that can be changed to suit specific jobs quickly and easily with the correct utilisation of attachments.
