Uses of a Knuckleboom Crane

Knuckleboom Crane Features

• A knuckleboom crane uses a typical crane boom, but with a bend in the middle, resembling a finger and knuckle configuration. The boom is commonly attached to the immediate backside of a truck's cab for a mobile crane, or to a permanent base at an industrial workplace. The crane lifts items without the need for a hanging hook attachment, as with standard cranes. The item is held steady as it is moved.

Warehouse and Delivery Uses

• Knuckleboom cranes attached to a truck's rear help operators unload large delivery items. For example, large sewer pipes housed in a warehouse are lifted by the knuckleboom and onto the back of the truck. When the truck arrives at the job site, the knuckleboom removes the piping from the truck, placing it in a designated area for installation. Productivity is increased with the use of the knuckleboom crane, negating the need to manually lift pipes with a forklift or other small machine.

Ocean Uses

• Knuckleboom cranes attached to an oil platform or large ship can lift items that are below the ocean's surface. Pipeline construction on the ocean bottom is aided by knuckleboom cranes, which move piping into position for installation, as well as lift pipes upward for inspection and repair. The crane's compact size makes it appealing for close-packed ocean platform use, as opposed to other lifting methods.

Alternative Uses

• Knuckleboom cranes can have an altered boom tip for connecting different attachments. For example, tree trimmers use these cranes with a bucket attachment for reaching tall branches. Additionally, highway workers use the crane to lift and precisely place concrete barriers. Even roofers can use the crane to lift roofing materials up to the work area, saving time and effort.