Truck mounted crane vs boom truck

Are you trying to pick the right lifting equipment for your job? The choice between a truck-mounted crane and a boom truck can make a big difference in how well your project goes. This guide will help you understand what makes these trucks different and which one is best for your needs.

What Are These Trucks?

A truck-mounted crane is a big lifting system built on a truck. It can lift very heavy loads and is used on many construction sites.

A boom truck has a hydraulic arm on a flatbed truck. It has a boom that can move up and down to lift things. Boom trucks also have outriggers that come out from the sides to keep the truck steady when lifting.

Key Differences Between Truck-Mounted Cranes and Boom Trucks

Market Growth and Size

Truck-mounted cranes are growing fast in the market:

• Will grow to $7.8 billion in 2025
• Has a growth rate of 5.6% each year
• Expected to reach $19.76 billion by 2032

Boom trucks had some ups and downs:

• Market went down by 0.72% in 2019-2020
• Now growing again, especially for electric utility work

Lifting Power

Type	Weight Capacity	Best Uses
Truck-Mounted Crane	Over 50 tons	Big construction projects
Boom Truck	Under 50 tons	Utility work, precise lifting

Truck-mounted cranes can lift much heavier loads than boom trucks.

When to Choose a Truck-Mounted Crane

Pick a truck-mounted crane when you need to:

• Lift very heavy loads (over 50 tons)
• Work on big construction projects
• Need strong stability for heavy lifting
• Have a big budget for equipment

The truck-mounted crane market is growing because of:

• More construction and building projects
• Growth in logistics and shipping
• More work in renewable energy

When to Choose a Boom Truck

Pick a boom truck when you need to:

• Move lighter loads (under 50 tons)
• Do precise work like putting up signs
• Work in tight spaces
• Do jobs for utilities and power companies
• Save money on equipment
• Need quick setup time

Industry expert John Lukow from Load King says: “Having an excellent relationship with the chassis manufacturers means we get the latest information necessary to configure our equipment.”

Industry Trends to Watch

Future Growth Areas

The truck-mounted crane industry is set to grow a lot:

• Will grow at 5.5% per year until 2032
• Growth driven by renewable energy projects
• Most growth happening in Asia-Pacific region

Boom Truck Growth Areas

Ryan McGiboney from Altec says boom truck demand is growing in:

• Precast concrete industry
• Electric utility companies
• Roofing businesses
• Sign installation companies
• Tree care (arborist) operations

Choosing Between the Two: Main Factors

1. Weight of Your Loads

• Heavy loads (over 50 tons) = Truck-mounted crane
• Medium to light loads (under 50 tons) = Boom truck

2. Job Site Space

• Small, tight spaces = Boom truck
• Open construction sites = Truck-mounted crane

3. Budget Concerns

• Lower upfront cost = Boom truck
• Long-term heavy use = Truck-mounted crane

4. Mobility Needs

• More mobile, quick setup = Boom truck
• Stability for heavy lifting = Truck-mounted crane

Design Features Compared

Truck-mounted cranes have:

• Strong hydraulic systems
• Built for heavy lifting
• More stability features

Boom trucks have:

• Telescopic or knuckle-boom designs
• Retractable outriggers for stability
• Usually on flatbed trucks
• Controls in the cab for moving the boom

Key Industries Using These Vehicles

Truck-Mounted Crane Industries:

• Construction
• Heavy manufacturing
• Logistics
• Renewable energy projects

Boom Truck Industries:

• Precast concrete
• Electric utilities
• Roofing companies
• Sign installation
• Tree care services

Future Outlook

Industry experts predict boom truck demand will grow in 2025. According to one expert named Henderly: “We’re hoping to see an increase in demand for boom trucks [in] 2025, mainly in the precast concrete and electric utility industries for the ability to deliver products right where they’re needed on the jobsite.”

The mobile crane market as a whole is growing as more countries build new infrastructure.

Making Your Final Choice

To pick the right equipment:

1. Know your load weights
2. Measure your job site space
3. Check your budget
4. Think about how often you’ll move it
5. Consider which industries you work in

Remember that truck-mounted mobile cranes are best for heavy loads, while boom trucks work better for lighter, more precise jobs.

By picking the right crane for your job, you’ll save time, money, and make your work safer and more efficient.