Truck Crane vs. Bridge Crane: What Are the Big Differences?

Are you not sure about what makes a truck crane different from a bridge crane? Let’s look at these two big helpers! This easy guide will show you how they are different and help you pick the right one for your job.

What Is a Truck Crane?

A truck crane is a crane that sits on a truck. You can drive it from place to place. These cranes have a boom (the long arm) that can go up and down to lift things.

Key things about truck cranes:

• They can move around to different work spots
• They use hydraulic systems to lift heavy stuff
• They have a counterweight to stay steady
• They work well outside
• They can go to many job sites in one day

Learn more about different types of truck-mounted cranes

What Is a Bridge Crane?

A bridge crane has a big beam (called a bridge) that moves on tracks. These tracks are up high and fixed to a building. The bridge goes back and forth on these tracks, and can lift things up and down.

Key things about bridge cranes:

• They stay in one building or area
• They use fixed tracks to move
• They can be single girder or double girder designs
• They work best inside factories and warehouses
• They can lift very heavy loads over and over

The Big Differences Between Truck Cranes and Bridge Cranes

Let’s see how these two types of cranes are different from each other!

1. How They Move

• Truck Crane: Can drive on roads to go to different job sites. The whole crane moves with the truck.
• Bridge Crane: Can only move along its fixed tracks. The building holds it up.

2. How They’re Built

• Truck Crane: Has its crane parts built on a truck chassis with outriggers (legs) that come out to keep it steady.
• Bridge Crane: Has a bridge beam held up by the building structure or by A-frame legs.

3. How Much They Can Lift

4. Where They Work Best

• Truck Crane: Great for outside jobs, building sites, and places where the work changes.
• Bridge Crane: Perfect for inside work in factories, where things need to be lifted in the same area all day long.

Check out our mobile crane solutions for outdoor projects

When Should You Use a Truck Crane?

Pick a truck crane when:

• You need to move the crane to different spots
• Your job is outside or on rough ground
• You need to lift things at different places
• You don’t want to put tracks on your building
• Your job is short-term

When Should You Use a Bridge Crane?

Pick a bridge crane when:

• Your work is all in one building
• You need to lift things in the same spot many times
• You need very exact lifting
• You have a factory or warehouse
• You need to lift very heavy things all day

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Cost and Money Things to Think About

Truck Crane Costs:

• Costs more for gas and driving
• Needs a driver with special training
• Less money to set up at first
• Good for short jobs

Bridge Crane Costs:

• Costs more to build at first
• Uses less power over time
• Needs less workers to run
• Good for long-term work

Safety Tips

For Truck Cranes:

• Make sure the ground is hard and flat
• Check the outriggers are set right
• Keep people away from the swing area
• Watch for power lines
• Check the boom length for the job

For Bridge Cranes:

• Check the track alignment often
• Make sure the building is strong enough
• Train workers how to use the controls
• Keep the path clear
• Check the load capacity limits

Questions People Ask A Lot

Summary: Picking the Right Crane

When choosing between a truck crane and a bridge crane, think about:

• Mobility: Do you need to move to different job sites?
• Environment: Will you work inside or outside?
• Weight: How heavy are the things you need to lift?
• Budget: Do you need a long-term or short-term solution?
• Space: Do you have room for fixed tracks?

Both types of cranes are great tools! The best choice depends on what kind of work you need to do.

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