Selecting the Right Boom Truck

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Selecting the Right Boom Truck
With an almost endless list of available options and configurations, selecting the right boom truck for your crew can seem like an overwhelming challenge. To help you, we’ve put together this introductory guide with the most important factors you should consider during your decision making process. As you read through this guide, don’t hesitate to give us a call – we’re here to help answer any questions you may have.

Know Your Capacity and Boom Length Needs
Taking into consideration the lift requirements of your past and most frequent types of projects will quickly help you determine ideal lift capacity and boom length requirements. You’ll want to purchase a boom truck that can handle 90% of your projects. The rest of the time, you’ll want to simply rent a larger capacity crane. This will ensure you’re getting the biggest return on investment, and will reduce the size of crane you need to purchase.

Boom Mounting Options
Boom cranes are available in standard and rear mount configurations. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.

Standard Mount Boom Crane (SM)

Boom is located directly behind the truck’s cab
Most common boom truck configuration
Most cost effective
Provides increased bed-space for storing product

Rear Mount Boom Cranes (RM)

Boom is located at the back of the truck bed
Allows crane operator to get closer to work area
Requires more bed space and reduces the amount of product storage space
Many reduce the truck's hauling capacity

Rear Mount Sitting Boom Crane (RS)

Boom is located at the back of truck bed
Increases comfort and allows operator to rotate with boom
Operator is positioned in a sitting position, rather than on the ground
Provides a 360-Degree working area
More expensive

Short vs. Long Boom Lengths

Short Booms

Lighter and easier to operate
Requires a smaller outrigger footprint
Ideal for tight working conditions and lighter lift requirement projects

Long Booms

Increased crane reach and height, but at a reduced lifting capacity

Single vs. Tandem Axel Trucks
Again, take a look at your most common types of projects. If you’re commonly working on residential projects that require driveway approach, you’ll want to consider a single-axel truck. With a lighter gross weight and shorter wheel base, you’ll be reducing the likelihood of causing costly property damage. If you’re more commonly working on commercial projects, or projects that require a larger lifting capacity, you’ll want to consider a tandem-axel truck. Tandem axels increase the truck’s hauling power and accommodate larger capacity cranes.

When to Purchase a Front Stabilizer
Adding front stabilizers is a cost-effective way of increasing your boom crane’s versatility and stability. With a front stabilizer you benefit from:

Additional all-around truck stability, not just over the cab
5-Point load distribution
Ability to safely lift over the truck’s cab - 360 degrees of crane operation

Adding a Jib
Adding a Jib to your crane is an easy way to add versatility to you boom truck. With an installed Jib, you get extra boom length when you need it, and it’s out of the way when you don’t. Keep in mind, however, that having a jib will add weight to the crane’s boom when stowed, and will slightly decrease the crane’s lifting capacity.

Man Baskets
Adding a man-basket option to your boom truck is essential for almost all truck owners. With the optional man-basket, you’ll instantly increase your truck’s capabilities and reduce the need to rent portable man-lifts for your projects.