-
Chengli Automobile Industry Park
Small Trailer Crane for Pickup?
Small Trailer Crane for Pickup: Your Complete Guide
Are you tired of lifting heavy things by hand? Do you need help moving big items into your pickup truck? A small trailer crane can make your work easy! This guide will tell you all about these helpful tools.
↪ Learn more about Mobile Crane Trucks
Table of Contents
What Is a Small Trailer Crane for Pickup Trucks?
A small trailer crane is a tool that fits on your pickup truck or trailer. It helps you lift heavy items like engines, big rocks, or work gear. These cranes are small but strong, and they don’t take up much room.
Key benefits:
- Makes lifting easy for one person
- Saves your back from hard work
- Fits in small spaces on your truck
- Can move from place to place
Top 5 Small Trailer Cranes for Pickup Trucks (2024)
| Crane Name | Weight Limit | Special Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| VEVOR Hydraulic Pickup Truck Crane | 1000-2200 lbs | 360° swivel, three boom sizes | Construction, forestry work |
| Stark 1/2 Ton Hydraulic Crane | 1100 lbs | Extends from 33″ to 53.5″ | Loading engines, boats |
| Apex Hitch-Mounted Receiver Crane | 1000 lbs | One-person operation | Home use and small jobs |
| MaxiLift ANT M50 | 1000 lbs | Small footprint, European design | Utility work, small trailers |
| Western Mule Telescoping Boom | 2500 lbs | Vertical/horizontal boom storage | Heavy loads, professional use |
What to Look For When Choosing a Crane
1. Weight Capacity
Pick a crane that can lift what you need:
- Light duty: 400-1000 lbs (good for small engines or home projects)
- Medium duty: 1000-2000 lbs (best for boat motors or large parts)
- Heavy duty: 2000-2500 lbs (for industrial equipment)
2. Mounting Type
You can put your crane in two main spots:
- Hitch-mounted cranes
- Fit in your truck’s receiver hitch
- Easy to put on and take off
- Don’t use up truck bed space
- Truck bed-mounted cranes
- Attach right to your truck bed
- More stable for big loads
- Some can fold down when not in use
↪ Check out more options for Crane Trucks
3. Power Source
Pick how you want to make your crane work:
- Hydraulic systems
- Use fluid power to lift
- Strong and smooth
- Need less work from you
- Electric winch systems
- Use a motor to do the lifting
- Need a power source (like a truck battery)
- Good for jobs that need exact control
4. Boom Length
The boom is the arm that reaches out from your crane:
- Short booms: Easy to control but don’t reach far
- Telescoping booms: Can grow longer when you need reach
- Fixed booms: Simple but less flexible
What Can You Do With a Small Trailer Crane?
For Work:
- Construction: Lift building materials and tools
- Forestry: Move logs and equipment
- Landscaping: Pick up big rocks and trees
- Farm work: Load feed bags or equipment
For Home:
- Car repair: Lift engines and parts
- Outdoor projects: Move heavy stones or lumber
- Boat owners: Load motors or watercraft
- Hobbyists: Handle big project items
How to Set Up Your Crane
Hitch mounting steps:
- Slide the crane mount into your truck’s receiver hitch
- Lock it with a hitch pin
- Make sure it’s tight and doesn’t wiggle
- Connect any power if it’s electric
Truck bed installation:
- Find strong spots in your truck bed for mounting
- Bolt the crane base plate securely
- Check that bolts are tight
- Test with a light load first
↪ Discover Material Handling Vehicles
Safety Tips
- Never lift more weight than your crane is rated for
- Keep people away from the load when lifting
- Make sure your truck is parked on flat, solid ground
- Use safety straps to secure loads
- Check hydraulic lines or cables before each use
Taking Care of Your Crane
Simple maintenance tips:
- Clean dirt and grime after use
- Grease moving parts monthly
- Check bolts and connections regularly
- Inspect for rust or damage
- Store in a dry place when possible
Where to Buy and What to Spend
You can find small trailer cranes at:
- Home Depot and other home stores
- Northern Tool and hardware suppliers
- Online stores like Amazon
- Specialty dealers like Penny Engineering
Price range:
- Basic models: $500-$800
- Mid-range: $800-$1,500
- Professional: $1,500-$2,500+
Questions People Ask
Can I put a crane on any pickup truck?
Most trucks can handle a small crane, but check your hitch class or bed strength first. Bigger cranes need stronger trucks.
How much can these little cranes lift?
Small trailer cranes can lift from 400 lbs up to 2500 lbs depending on the model.
Do I need special training?
For home use, no, but read the manual carefully. For work sites, you might need safety training.
Electric or hydraulic – which is better?
Hydraulic is better for raw power, while electric gives more precise control. Pick based on what you’ll lift most.
Final Thoughts
A small trailer crane for your pickup can save your back and make big jobs easy. The VEVOR models are great all-around choices, Stark cranes work well for home use, and Western Mule is best for pros who need to lift very heavy things.
Think about what you need to lift, how often you’ll use it, and your budget. With the right crane, one person can do jobs that used to need a whole team!
