Lorry Crane For Sale

1. What is a Lorry Crane?

A Lorry Crane, also known as a truck-mounted crane or mobile crane, is a crane mounted on the chassis of a truck (lorry) for ease of mobility. It is designed to lift, move, and transport heavy loads to and from construction sites, warehouses, or other industrial locations. Lorry cranes combine the flexibility of a truck with the heavy-lifting capabilities of a crane, making them ideal for tasks that require both mobility and lifting power. Key Features:

• Truck-Mounted: The crane is mounted on a vehicle, making it portable and easy to relocate.
• Hydraulic Lifting System: Most lorry cranes use hydraulic systems for lifting heavy loads, providing strength and stability.
• Boom and Arm: The crane’s boom (arm) extends and retracts, allowing it to reach great heights and distances for precise lifting.
• Load Capacity: Typically ranges from 5 tons to 50 tons or more, depending on the model.

Common Applications:

• Construction: Moving heavy building materials, such as steel beams, concrete, and machinery.
• Shipping & Logistics: Loading and unloading goods from trucks, containers, or ships.
• Infrastructure Projects: Handling large or bulky components for roadwork, bridges, and public works.
• Oil & Gas: Lifting and transporting equipment and materials in remote locations.

2. Why Buy a Lorry Crane? – Mobile Lifting and Transport in One Vehicle

A Lorry Crane (also known as a truck-mounted crane or HIAB truck) is a powerful, versatile vehicle that combines cargo transport with on-site lifting capability. It’s perfect for jobs requiring both material delivery and lifting, especially in urban construction, logistics, and utilities. Key benefits include:

• Dual Functionality: Transport + Lifting: 
  • Acts as both a flatbed truck and a crane, saving time and cost.
  • Reduces the need for additional equipment like forklifts or separate cranes.
• Highly Mobile and Road Legal: 
  • Can travel directly on public roads without escorts or trailers.
  • Ideal for multi-site operations and fast-response jobs.
  • Compact and Easy to Operate in Tight Spaces.
  • Suitable for urban areas, residential jobs, and restricted sites.
  • Operates with remote control or manual levers for precision handling.
• Cost-Efficient for Daily Use and Short-Term Projects: 
  • Eliminates need for two separate vehicles.
  • Lowers fuel, labor, and equipment rental costs.
• Flexible Boom Configurations: 
  • Knuckle boom (articulated) for tighter spaces and complex lifts.
  • Telescopic boom for longer reach and vertical lifting.
• Versatile Applications Across Industries - Used in:
  • Construction and building supply delivery
  • Utility and telecom pole installation
  • Container moving and material handling
  • Event setup, landscaping, and roadside maintenance

A lorry crane offers the perfect combination of transport and lifting in one unit—ideal for contractors, logistics teams, and fleet managers seeking efficiency, versatility, and mobility.

3. How to Choose the Right Lorry Crane – Practical Buying or Rental Guide

Selecting the best lorry crane depends on your typical loads, lifting frequency, and road travel needs.

• Define Lifting Capacity and Working Radius - Common capacities: 5 to 30+ tons. Consider:
  • Weight of materials to lift
  • Horizontal outreach and vertical lift height
• Choose Between Knuckle Boom vs. Telescopic Boom:
  • Knuckle Boom (HIAB/Articulated):
    • Great for tight working areas and precise positioning
    • Can fold compactly for easy transport
  • Telescopic Boom:
    • Offers greater vertical height
    • Ideal for container lifts and overhead material handling
• Match Truck Chassis to Crane Size: Ensure truck frame supports crane’s GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight). Choose 6-wheeler, 8-wheeler, or 10-wheeler depending on load.
• Assess Cargo Bed Size and Payload - Choose based on:
  • Load dimensions (length/width)
  • Combined crane + cargo weight
  • Flatbed size affects how much you can transport and lift
• Check Control Systems and Safety Features - Look for:
  • Remote control operation
  • Load Moment Limiter (LMI)
  • Stability sensors and emergency cutoffs
• Review Stabilizer Legs and Outrigger System: Outriggers enhance lifting safety. Check for auto-leveling or hydraulic deployment.
• Ensure Compliance with Local Regulations - Must be registered and approved for public road use.
• Verify:
  • Crane certification (e.g., CE, ISO, ANSI)
  • Operator license and road permits
• Compare Maintenance, Brand, and Parts Availability - Choose reliable brands with:
  • Local support and authorized workshops
  • Spare parts availability
  • Training for operators

For small-to-mid jobs involving frequent transport and lifting, a 10-ton knuckle boom lorry crane on a 6-wheeler chassis offers excellent balance between maneuverability and capacity.