A dump truck with crane (often called a crane dump truck or truck-mounted crane with tipper body) combines three functions in one vehicle: lifting, transporting, and dumping. It’s widely used on construction sites, municipal projects, landscaping jobs, and material delivery routes where space is limited and efficiency matters.
This guide follows your menu structure and explains pricing factors, key specifications, configuration options, and how to choose a reliable supplier in China.
A crane dump truck typically consists of:
Truck chassis (4x2 / 6x4 / 8x4)
Dump body (U-type or box-type tipper body)
Truck-mounted crane (knuckle boom or straight boom)
Hydraulic system (usually PTO-driven pump powering crane + tipping cylinder)
Outriggers/stabilizers + subframe (for lifting stability and chassis protection)
Common build styles:
Behind-cab crane + dump body: most popular, balanced weight distribution, good reach to both sides.
Rear-mounted crane + dump body: maximizes bed space in front, but changes loading behavior and stability requirements.
Buyers source these units from China as:
Complete vehicle (chassis + crane + dump body fully integrated)
Upper body kit (crane + dump body + subframe for local chassis installation)
Crane-only (less common for this application, because subframe/body integration is key)
Pricing varies mainly because “dump truck with crane” can mean very different configurations. The most important thing is to compare quotes with the same scope.
Main price factors:
Chassis brand/model and drive type (4x2 vs 6x4 vs 8x4, axle ratings)
Payload rating and dump body volume (bigger body, thicker steel, higher hoist spec)
Crane capacity and outreach (load chart at radius matters more than “max tons”)
Crane type and controls (knuckle boom, straight boom, manual vs joystick vs remote)
Hydraulic system (pump flow, valve type, multi-function capability, oil cooler)
Stabilizer system (span, strength, interlocks, pads)
Options and compliance (cameras, work lights, safety systems, emission requirements, documentation)
To avoid hidden cost differences, ask every supplier to list separately:
Chassis specs
Crane model + load chart
Dump body size + steel thickness
PTO/pump/hydraulic tank configuration
Outrigger span and subframe details
Included accessories and warranty terms
Typical applications include:
Construction material delivery: sand, gravel, blocks, rebar, small equipment
Municipal maintenance: manholes, covers, pipes, barriers, street repair materials
Landscaping: soil, rocks, trees, pallets, small site machinery
Rural/utility work: poles, culverts, fencing materials
Rental fleets: one vehicle for multiple job types (lifting + hauling + dumping)
This combination is especially valuable where you want to reduce the need for a separate crane truck or loader on site.
You’re balancing three key capabilities:
(1) Truck payload & legal axle loads
The crane and subframe add significant weight.
A “bigger crane” often reduces net payload unless you upgrade the chassis.
(2) Dump body volume
Volume (m³) must match material density. A body that’s perfect for soil may overload with wet sand or gravel.
(3) Crane lifting performance
Always request the load chart showing rated capacity at different radii.
Confirm whether ratings assume outriggers fully extended and what slewing zones apply (side/rear/front).
Practical selection tip:
Start from your real working radius (how far you must lift from the truck centerline), then choose the crane class.
Then confirm the remaining payload after installing crane + body.
Knuckle boom crane (articulated)
Pros: flexible positioning, easier loading/unloading into tight spaces, great for pallets and mixed materials
Cons: more complex; quality of joints, pins, and hydraulics matters
Straight boom crane (telescopic/straight)
Pros: simpler boom structure, direct lifting feel, often good for straightforward lifts
Cons: less flexible in tight working areas; can be slower for repetitive placement
For multi-purpose construction and municipal work, knuckle boom is commonly chosen.
Behind cab
Better overall balance for many builds
Good side-loading reach
Often easier to protect the crane and hoses
Rear-mounted
Can keep more continuous bed space ahead of the crane base
Useful for certain loading patterns (depending on jobsite layout)
Requires careful stability planning because lifting is closer to the rear overhang zone
Ask your supplier for:
Overall length and center-of-gravity estimate
Axle load distribution (especially important for road compliance)
Most dump crane trucks use a PTO-driven hydraulic pump from the truck transmission.
Key hydraulic considerations:
Pump flow (L/min): affects operating speed of crane and grapple/attachments
Working pressure: affects lifting force and stability under load
Multi-function operation: ability to perform combined movements smoothly (boom + swing + extend)
Oil cooler: recommended for high-duty cycles and hot climates
Hydraulic tank size and filtration: reduces overheating and contamination issues
Priority/valving design: how the system switches between crane work and dumping (and whether simultaneous operation is permitted)
Important clarification to confirm:
Whether the unit supports crane operation and tipping under the same PTO system safely (many systems are designed for one main function at a time, using selector valves).
Body type
U-type (rounded): good discharge flow, less material sticking, often preferred for aggregates
Box type (rectangular): versatile for mixed materials, easier for certain fabrication and repairs
Steel thickness
Side wall and floor thickness should match material type (rocks vs soil vs demolition debris).
Hardox/wear plate upgrades may be offered for abrasive materials.
Tailgate
Top-hinged, side-hinged, or combination designs depending on unloading preference
Add-ons: sealing strips, auto-lock mechanisms, or spreader arrangements (application-dependent)
Also consider:
Underbody reinforcement
Front protection (against load impact)
Mudguards and anti-splash design
This is one of the most important sections for safety and durability.
Outriggers/stabilizers
Determine real lifting stability more than “rated tonnage”
Key specs: outrigger span, cylinder size, pad size, interlocks/indicators
Subframe reinforcement
Distributes crane lifting forces into the chassis correctly
Reduces risk of chassis cracking and bed deformation
Must be designed for your wheelbase, crane base, and dump hoist geometry
Best practice when buying:
Request subframe drawings and confirmation of mounting points
Confirm compatibility with tipping mechanism and dump body hinges
Common chassis configurations:
4x2: lighter-duty jobs, better maneuverability and fuel economy, limited off-road
6x4: a frequent choice for construction hauling; better traction and payload balance
8x4: higher GVW potential in some markets; longer wheelbase, more stable platform
Engine and drivetrain selection factors:
Local emission standard requirement
PTO availability and gearbox matching
Cooling performance for low-speed, high-load conditions
Brake systems and downhill control for quarry/construction routes
If you need export compliance, confirm the chassis documentation and whether the supplier can support destination-specific requirements.
Recommended safety options for crane dump trucks:
Overload protection / load moment limiter (where applicable)
Hydraulic holding/check valves on cylinders
Emergency stop
Outrigger interlocks and outrigger position indicators
Rear camera / 360 camera options for jobsite safety
Work lights, beacons, reflective markings
Anti-slip steps/platforms and proper handholds
Hose guards and boom protection (important on construction sites)
Always ensure operator training and local regulatory compliance for lifting operations.
Common customization requests:
Custom dump body size/volume to match local limits and material type
Crane control upgrades (joystick, proportional valves, radio remote)
Additional hydraulic lines for tools (clamshell, grab bucket, pallet fork, etc.)
Toolboxes, ladder, spare tire carrier, tarp system
Upgraded outrigger pads/ground plates
Branding (paint color, decals), corrosion protection packages
Telematics / GPS fleet management (if the chassis supports it)
For custom builds, confirm final:
Overall dimensions (length/height)
Net payload estimate
Axle load distribution
Turning radius constraints (important for urban municipal work)
When buyers say “best,” they usually mean: consistent quality, transparent specs, and strong support. A strong China supplier should be able to provide:
Proven integration capability (crane + dump body + subframe)
Complete technical documents (GA drawing, hydraulic schematic, load chart)
Stable component supply chain (hydraulic valves, cylinders, slewing bearing)
Export packing and documentation experience
Rather than relying on marketing claims, evaluate factories by documentation quality, reference projects, and willingness to support inspection.
Good suppliers typically support:
Pre-sales configuration matching (payload vs crane capacity vs body volume)
Drawing confirmation and production updates
Commissioning guidance and operation training materials
Troubleshooting support (video call + manuals + schematics)
Spare parts supply plan (recommended stock for filters, seals, hoses, wear parts)
Before ordering, confirm:
Warranty period and coverage scope (structure, hydraulics, electrical, wear parts)
Parts lead time and shipping method
How technical issues are escalated and handled
QC items you can request:
Welding inspection and dimensional checks for subframe and body
Hydraulic pressure/leak testing
Crane function testing (boom, swing, extension, outrigger)
Dump lifting test (tipping stability, cylinder performance, hinge alignment)
Final inspection report with serial numbers
Certificates vary by factory and destination. Depending on your market, you may request:
ISO quality management (if available)
Factory test reports
Material certificates for structural steel (if required)
Third-party inspection support (SGS/BV/TÜV or your chosen agency)
A practical supplier selection checklist:
Clear specs: chassis, crane load chart, dump body volume/thickness all stated clearly
Integration engineering: subframe drawings + axle load estimate provided
Hydraulic clarity: PTO/pump/valving design and operating logic explained
Component transparency: key hydraulic parts and crane model identified
Inspection support: accepts third-party inspection and provides test evidence
References: photos/videos of similar builds in real work conditions
After-sales plan: spare parts list, response time, warranty clarity
Red flags:
No load chart
Vague “custom available” without drawings
Missing subframe or outrigger details for a heavy crane
Lead time depends on whether the truck is complete and how customized it is:
Standard configurations are faster
Custom dump body sizes, special cranes, and special compliance can extend production
Common shipping methods:
Ro-Ro (often suitable for complete trucks, route-dependent)
Flat rack / breakbulk (for oversized or special builds)
Container (usually for crane/body kits rather than complete trucks)
Before shipment, confirm:
Seaworthy packing and anti-rust treatment
Shipping documents (invoice, packing list, manuals, certificates if needed)
Spare parts package included (filters, seal kits, hoses, pins/bushings where applicable)
Warranty start point (shipment vs arrival vs commissioning) written in the contract
If you want fast, accurate quotations from China suppliers, prepare these points:
Target payload (tons) and dump body volume (m³)
Material type (soil / sand / gravel / demolition debris)
Required crane lifting: capacity at radius + max outreach
Crane type: knuckle boom or straight boom; control mode (manual/joystick/remote)
Mounting: behind cab or rear-mounted
Chassis preference: 4x2 / 6x4 / 8x4, and emission standard required
Destination country/port and any compliance needs
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