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.
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)
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):
Rated capacity at working radius (load chart matters more than “X ton” marketing)
Boom length/outreach
Knuckle vs straight boom
Remote control and electro-hydraulic upgrades
Chassis level (brand, axle configuration, engine emission level)
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.
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.
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)
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.
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)
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
A simple, effective selection process:
Provide your real working needs (capacity at radius, outreach, daily hours)
Collect load charts and compare capacity at the same radius
Verify what’s included (crane + truck + body + hydraulics + accessories)
Review drawings (subframe, outriggers, overall dimensions)
Request production photos/videos and testing proof
Use a third-party inspection (optional but recommended for first order)
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
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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