A hydraulic truck crane combines a hydraulic lifting system with a road-going truck chassis, making it a practical solution for lifting, loading, and on-site handling across construction, logistics, utilities, and equipment installation. China is a major manufacturing base for hydraulic truck cranes, offering a wide range of crane types, tonnage classes, chassis options, and customization services for export markets.
This guide follows your outline to help buyers understand pricing factors, key specifications, safety features, and how to choose a reliable supplier in China.
A hydraulic truck crane is powered by a hydraulic pump (commonly driven by a PTO from the truck engine or an independent power pack). It typically includes:
Telescopic boom or articulated boom structure
Slewing/rotation system
Winch and hook block (common on telescopic truck cranes)
Outriggers for stability
Control system (manual, joystick, or remote)
Safety devices (e.g., load moment indicator)
Main supply formats from China:
Complete hydraulic crane truck (crane + chassis + integration + testing)
Crane upper structure only (buyer mounts locally)
CKD/SKD kits (for local assembly or duty/tax optimization in some markets)
The right choice depends on your local regulations, service capability, and whether you want a “ready-to-work” truck or a crane-only purchase.
Hydraulic truck crane price is configuration-driven. Two cranes listed as the same “tonnage” can differ significantly in cost and real lifting capacity depending on boom length, chassis, and safety systems.
Main pricing factors:
Rated capacity and lifting moment (ton class and structural grade)
Boom length, number of sections, and jib options
Crane type (telescopic truck crane vs knuckle boom loader crane)
Hydraulic system level (pump flow, valve type, cooling, filtration)
Winch and rope specification (line pull, speed, rope length/diameter)
Outrigger design and span (stability upgrades add cost but improve safe lifting)
Control system (manual vs electro-hydraulic proportional vs radio remote)
Chassis brand and driveline (4×2/6×4/8×4; engine power; emission standard)
Export package (paint, packing, documentation, inspections, spare parts)
To compare quotes fairly, request:
Full load chart
Boom/jib configuration
Chassis model and axle ratings
List of included safety devices
Warranty and spare parts scope
Hydraulic truck cranes are widely used for:
Construction lifting: steel, rebar bundles, formwork, precast components
Logistics and loading: machinery loading/unloading, container-side handling (depending on setup)
Utility and municipal work: poles, transformers, streetlight maintenance, signage installation
Equipment lifting and installation: generators, compressors, pumps, small plant relocation
Emergency response: roadside recovery support and temporary lifting tasks
For frequent “pick-and-carry” or loading tasks, many buyers consider a knuckle boom loader crane. For higher vertical lifting and hook work, a telescopic boom truck crane is often preferred.
Key performance metrics:
Rated lifting capacity (often at a short radius)
Maximum lifting height
Maximum working radius
Boom length (retracted and extended)
Load chart (capacity at each radius and boom configuration)
Load chart basics buyers should verify:
Capacities with outriggers fully extended vs partially extended
Ratings over front/side/rear
Whether ratings are with main boom only or include jib
Hook block weight, rigging weight, and lifting accessories (these reduce net payload)
Practical buyer rule: choose capacity based on your real working radius, not the maximum tonnage headline.
Telescopic boom truck crane
Best for: hook lifting, equipment installation, vertical lifts, longer reach with a jib
Typical features: multi-section telescopic boom, winch, hook block, LMI system
Knuckle boom (articulated) loader crane
Best for: loading/unloading goods, pallet handling, site delivery work
Typical features: articulated boom, hydraulic extensions, optional winch, faster positioning
How to choose:
If your work is mostly “hook lifting” at height → telescopic truck crane
If your work is mostly “loading and placing” on trucks/sites → knuckle boom loader crane
Hydraulic system configuration determines speed, smoothness, and heat management.
Key items to confirm:
Hydraulic pump type and flow rate (faster motion = higher flow)
Working pressure (force capability)
Valve system (standard vs proportional; load-sensing if available)
Cylinder quality (seals, chrome plating, rod diameter)
Hydraulic oil tank capacity
Oil cooler (recommended for hot climates or continuous operation)
Filtration level and maintenance access
For heavy duty cycles, prioritize cooling and filtration to reduce overheating and valve wear.
Performance details that affect productivity:
Slewing angle (often continuous 360°) and slewing speed
Slewing torque (important for controlled rotation with load)
Winch line pull and speed (single line vs multi-part reeving)
Wire rope specification (diameter, length, anti-rotation options)
Hook block and sheave configuration
Load handling smoothness (proportional control helps reduce swing)
If precise placement is important, select electro-hydraulic proportional control and confirm winch speed ranges.
Outriggers are a core safety and performance system.
Common options:
H-type outriggers: strong lateral stability; common on truck cranes
A-type outriggers: used on certain designs for packaging and weight distribution
Important considerations:
Outrigger span (wider = more stability at radius)
Vertical stroke (helps leveling on uneven ground)
Outrigger pads and ground plates (prevent sinking on soft soil)
Leveling indicators (bubble level or electronic leveling)
Interlock systems (prevent unsafe lifting without proper outrigger setup)
Chassis selection impacts payload, road legality, and jobsite mobility.
Common choices:
4×2: lighter, economical, suited for city work and lighter crane classes
6×4: balanced choice for construction sites and heavier cranes
8×4: used for larger cranes and higher axle load distribution needs
Engine and compliance points:
Emission standard required by your market
Engine power matching crane weight and route conditions
PTO compatibility for hydraulic pump drive
Cooling capacity for slow-speed heavy-duty work
Also confirm:
Wheelbase fit for crane installation and overall length limits
Axle ratings and final curb weight
Tire specification for your terrain
Safety configuration is often a deciding factor for export markets and jobsite acceptance.
Common safety systems:
LMI (Load Moment Indicator) / overload protection
Anti-two-block (prevents hook block contacting boom head)
Hydraulic holding valves (reduce risk of sudden drop)
Emergency stop
Outrigger status monitoring
Horn, alarms, lighting, and reflective markings for road use
Operator protection options:
Guarding for hoses and moving parts
Anti-slip platforms and handrails
Better visibility aids (camera system, work lights)
Always match safety devices to local regulations and site requirements.
Common customization requests from China factories:
Boom length / jib options
Winch upgrades (higher line pull, longer rope)
Remote control and proportional valve upgrades
Additional hydraulic outlets for attachments
Work basket / man basket interface (only where legally permitted and engineered)
Toolboxes, outriggers pads, spare rope
Custom paint, branding, and multilingual decals
Cold-weather or hot-climate packages (oil, seals, cooling)
For custom builds, ask for:
GA drawing and final dimensions
Load chart for each configuration (main boom + jib, outrigger states)
Final axle load distribution estimate (for road compliance)
“Best” depends on your tonnage class, target market, and service expectations. A strong China manufacturer/factory typically provides:
Clear model lineup with standard configurations
Complete load charts and technical drawings
Proven export cases and stable production capacity
Component traceability and consistent QC
Parts support plan for hydraulics, electrical, and wear items
When shortlisting suppliers, compare them on engineering output (charts/drawings) and after-sales readiness—not only price.
Good supplier support usually includes:
Model selection based on your lift plan and working radius
Mounting guidance (subframe, PTO, hydraulic routing)
Commissioning checklist and operation training materials
Troubleshooting support via video call and manuals
Spare parts list and recommended first-year stock
If you buy crane-only, confirm whether the supplier provides:
Subframe design drawings
Hydraulic and electrical schematics
Installation supervision (remote or on-site, if available)
QC items you can request:
Weld inspection and dimensional checks
Hydraulic pressure testing and leak checks
Functional tests: boom, winch, slewing, outriggers
Safety device verification (LMI, limit switches, alarms)
Paint surface prep and coating thickness checks
Final inspection report with serial number tracking
Certificates/documentation depend on destination requirements, but buyers commonly request:
ISO quality management (if available)
Factory test reports
Material certificates for key structural components (if required)
Support for third-party inspection (SGS/BV/TÜV or buyer-appointed)
A practical buying process:
Define your lifting needs: max load, working radius, lift height, duty cycle
Choose crane type: telescopic vs knuckle boom
Request load chart + configuration list (boom/jib/outrigger states)
Review chassis integration plan (wheelbase, axle loads, subframe)
Confirm safety system list (LMI, anti-two-block, holding valves)
Check export experience and parts availability
Require a clear warranty and after-sales workflow
Use third-party inspection if order value is high
Red flags:
No load chart or inconsistent ratings
Vague component specifications (pump/valves/winch not defined)
No mounting drawings for crane-only supply
Unclear warranty exclusions
Typical order flow:
Specification confirmation → drawing approval → production → factory testing → packing → shipping
Common shipping methods:
Ro-Ro for complete trucks (route dependent)
Flat rack / breakbulk for oversized units
Container for crane-only or disassembled shipments
Documents usually required:
Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading
Operation & maintenance manual
Test report and inspection records (as agreed)
Certificate of origin if needed
After-sales support points to confirm in writing:
Warranty start date and coverage scope
Parts shipping method and lead time
Technical response time
Remote commissioning support availability
To get an accurate quote and correct crane selection, send suppliers:
Crane type: telescopic truck crane / knuckle boom loader crane
Max load (t): ___
Required working radius (m): ___
Required lift height (m): ___
Boom length and jib needed? ___
Work cycle: hours/day and lifts/day: ___
Controls: manual / joystick / remote
Outrigger requirement: full extension / limited width sites
Chassis: 4×2 / 6×4 / 8×4, emission standard, preferred brand/model
Destination port and Incoterms (FOB/CIF/etc.): ___
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