Cheap Price Truck Mounted Crane for Sale in China

2025-12-26
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If you’re looking for a cheap price truck mounted crane, China is one of the most competitive sourcing markets thanks to mature supply chains for crane booms, hydraulic components, truck chassis, and cargo bodies. The key is buying “cost-effective” (right specs + reliable QC) instead of simply buying the lowest quote.

This guide explains pricing logic, budget-friendly configurations, core specifications, and how to choose a reliable China supplier.


I. Cheap Price Truck Mounted Crane for Sale in China

1.1 Cheap price truck mounted crane overview

A truck mounted crane (often called a truck loader crane or “crane truck”) combines:

  • A hydraulic crane (knuckle boom or straight boom)

  • A truck chassis (4×2 / 6×4 / 8×4)

  • Optional cargo body (flatbed, dropside, box, stake body, etc.)

Budget models are popular for:

  • General lifting and transport

  • Small-to-mid construction jobs

  • Logistics loading/unloading

  • Municipal maintenance work

A typical “value” configuration includes:

  • Mechanical or basic joystick controls

  • Standard outriggers (H-type common)

  • PTO-driven hydraulic pump

  • Standard safety devices (as required)


1.2 Cheap truck mounted crane price range from China

There isn’t one fixed “cheap price” because quotations depend on scope and spec. To compare suppliers fairly, always confirm whether the quote includes:

  • Crane only or complete truck (crane + chassis + body)

  • New chassis vs used/reconditioned (if offered)

  • Boom type, capacity class, and outreach (load chart)

  • Hydraulic options (oil cooler, proportional valves, pump flow)

  • Controls (manual / joystick / remote)

  • Spare parts package, warranty, and export packing

  • Certification or inspection requirements for your destination

Main price drivers (what really changes the cost):

  1. Rated capacity at working radius (load chart matters more than “X ton” marketing)

  2. Boom length/outreach

  3. Knuckle vs straight boom

  4. Remote control and electro-hydraulic upgrades

  5. Chassis level (brand, axle configuration, engine emission level)

  6. Customization (cargo body, toolboxes, accessories, paint/branding)

Tip: Ask suppliers to quote using the same template (crane model + load chart + chassis spec + included options). This instantly reveals “cheap quotes” that omit key items.


1.3 Cost-effective truck mounted crane applications: construction, logistics, municipal work

A budget truck crane is commonly used for:

  • Construction: lifting rebar, small precast items, roofing materials, site equipment

  • Logistics: loading/unloading pallets, machinery, containers (with correct rigging)

  • Municipal: streetlight maintenance, signage, small pipe handling, landscaping materials

  • Farms & small industry: moving tanks, generators, building materials

For frequent lifting cycles or long-hour operation, prioritize hydraulic cooling and valve quality—these reduce overheating and downtime.


II. Cheap Truck Mounted Crane Specifications and Cost Options

2.1 Lifting capacity, boom length, and load chart basics

When buying a “cheap” crane, the #1 risk is misunderstanding capacity.

Key terms:

  • Rated lifting capacity: usually at a short radius (looks impressive but not your real work)

  • Working radius: distance from crane center to load

  • Outreach: how far the boom can reach

  • Load chart: the real lifting capacity at each radius/boom section

What to request from every supplier:

  • Load chart for the exact crane model

  • Rated capacity at your typical working radius (e.g., 6 m / 8 m)

  • Whether ratings require outriggers fully extended

  • Slewing area limitations (front/side/rear ratings if applicable)


2.2 Boom type choices for budget models: straight boom vs knuckle boom

Straight boom (telescopic)

  • Pros: simpler structure, often lower upfront cost, straightforward lifting

  • Cons: less flexible in tight spaces; positioning can be slower for complex jobs

Knuckle boom (articulated)

  • Pros: highly flexible positioning, great for loading/unloading and tight sites

  • Cons: more joints and complexity; cheap builds must be checked carefully for pin/bushing and sealing quality

If your work is mainly “pick and place” at moderate radius, straight boom can be a cost-effective choice. If you do frequent loading and need flexibility, knuckle boom often gives better productivity.


2.3 Crane hydraulic system options: PTO pump, valve type, oil tank and cooler

Budget cranes can still be reliable if hydraulics are matched correctly.

Core items to confirm:

  • PTO-driven pump (common on truck mounted cranes): pump brand/model and flow

  • Working pressure rating

  • Valve block type: standard vs proportional (proportional = smoother, usually higher cost)

  • Hydraulic tank capacity (too small can cause heating/foaming)

  • Oil filtration level

  • Oil cooler (recommended for hot climates, heavy duty cycles, or continuous lifting)

Cost-saving without sacrificing reliability:

  • Keep manual valves if fine control isn’t critical

  • Add an oil cooler if you expect long daily operation (often worth the extra cost)


2.4 Control options for low-cost truck cranes: manual, joystick, remote control

Common configurations:

  • Manual levers: lowest cost, easy to service, operator fatigue can be higher

  • Joystick controls: better ergonomics and faster operation

  • Radio remote control: best visibility and safety positioning, highest cost

If budget is tight, a good “value” setup is manual/joystick now + pre-installed wiring/hydraulic provision for remote upgrade later (if the supplier supports it).


2.5 Slewing angle, winch configuration, and lifting speed performance

Check these performance specs:

  • Slewing angle (often 360° continuous or limited depending on design)

  • Slewing torque (affects rotation under load)

  • Winch type (if equipped): line pull, rope length, speed, braking method

  • Working speed: lift, extend, retract, slew (depends on pump flow and valve design)

Cheap cranes may look similar on paper but feel very different in speed and smoothness. Ask for working cycle time or operation videos under load.


2.6 Outriggers and stability options: H-type/A-type, span, and pads

Stability is a safety issue and also a “hidden cost” issue (repairs, accidents, downtime).

What to confirm:

  • Outrigger type: H-type is common and stable

  • Outrigger span (wider = more stable)

  • Cylinder size and structural reinforcement

  • Outrigger pads (larger pads help on soft ground)

  • Safety interlocks or status indicators (where required)

Never select purely by crane tonnage without matching outrigger span and mounting design.


2.7 Subframe design and mounting standards for truck mounted cranes

A good subframe prevents:

  • Chassis twisting and cracking

  • Misalignment of crane base

  • Premature failure of mounting bolts and plates

Request:

  • Subframe drawing / mounting plan

  • Welding/bolting method and reinforcement scheme

  • Estimated axle loads after installation (for road legality)

A very low price often means an under-designed subframe—this is one of the most common “cheap purchase, expensive maintenance” problems.


2.8 Truck chassis and engine choices for affordable crane trucks (4x2/6x4/8x4)

Chassis affects cost, payload, and working conditions.

  • 4×2: lowest cost, good for city roads and light lifting

  • 6×4: balanced option for construction sites and heavier loads

  • 8×4: for higher payload/longer bodies (check local axle limits and turning radius)

Engine considerations:

  • Emission standard required by your country

  • PTO compatibility

  • Cooling capacity for low-speed operation

  • Parts/service availability in your market

If you already have a local truck chassis, buying crane-only can be the most cost-effective route—just confirm mounting compatibility.


2.9 Safety features on cheap truck mounted cranes: overload protection, limiters, alarms

Even for budget models, do not compromise on safety essentials.

Common safety features:

  • Overload protection / load moment limiter (if required by your market)

  • Relief valves and hydraulic holding valves

  • Boom angle/extension limiters (depending on design)

  • Emergency stop

  • Outrigger stability indicators

  • Warning alarms and work lights (for roadside/municipal work)

Confirm what’s standard vs optional in the quotation.


2.10 Customization for budget truck mounted cranes: cargo body, toolboxes, paint, branding

Cost-effective customization options:

  • Flatbed/dropside/stake body matched to your cargo

  • Toolboxes, spare chain storage, outrigger pad storage

  • Additional lifting hooks, auxiliary hydraulic lines (future attachments)

  • Custom paint color and logo decals (low cost, good for branding)

  • Basic winter package (oil selection, hose protection) if needed


III. Cheap Price Truck Mounted Crane Supplier in China

3.1 Best value truck mounted crane manufacturers and factories in China

Instead of looking for “the cheapest,” look for best value based on:

  • Proven export models (same configuration shipped multiple times)

  • Clear load chart and engineering documents

  • Stable component sourcing (pump/valve/cylinder consistency)

  • Ability to support installation and spare parts

A strong factory can provide a complete data package: load chart + GA drawing + hydraulic schematic + warranty terms.


3.2 Technical support, spare parts supply, and warranty for budget crane trucks

Before ordering, confirm:

  • Warranty length and coverage (structure, hydraulics, electrical)

  • Spare parts recommendation for the first year (seals, filters, hoses, key valves)

  • Technical support channel (email + video call)

  • Parts delivery lead time and shipping method

For budget projects, having the right spare parts kit often matters more than saving a small amount on the unit price.


3.3 Quality control and certificates for China truck crane factory

Ask suppliers for evidence of:

  • Incoming inspection (steel, hydraulic components)

  • Welding quality control and dimensional checks

  • Hydraulic pressure test and leak test

  • Functional test report (boom, outrigger, swing, winch)

  • Final inspection with serial number tracking

Certificates vary by destination requirements. If your market needs specific compliance documentation, clarify it early and include it in the contract.


3.4 How to choose a reliable cheap truck mounted crane supplier in China

A simple, effective selection process:

  1. Provide your real working needs (capacity at radius, outreach, daily hours)

  2. Collect load charts and compare capacity at the same radius

  3. Verify what’s included (crane + truck + body + hydraulics + accessories)

  4. Review drawings (subframe, outriggers, overall dimensions)

  5. Request production photos/videos and testing proof

  6. Use a third-party inspection (optional but recommended for first order)

  7. Confirm after-sales plan and spare parts list in writing

Red flags:

  • No load chart or vague “X ton” only

  • Missing subframe design details

  • Unclear hydraulic configuration (pump flow/pressure not stated)

  • Refusal to support inspection


3.5 Lead time, shipping methods, and after-sales service from China

Typical steps:

  • Spec confirmation → drawing approval → production → testing → packing → shipment

Shipping options:

  • Ro-Ro (often for complete trucks, route dependent)

  • Flat rack / breakbulk (oversize units)

  • Container (crane-only or smaller builds)

Confirm:

  • Packing standard (anti-rust, seaworthy protection)

  • Documents included (invoice, packing list, manuals, certificates if needed)

  • Warranty start date definition (shipment vs arrival vs commissioning)

  • Remote commissioning support availability

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