Cranes are essential to many businesses to help efficiently move heavy loads around various locations and projects. When it comes to construction, having reliable equipment suited to your specific needs is vital.
That’s where we come in. HMF Australia is a leading name in all things cranes. We take pride in creating a variety of low tare weight and durable cranes for a wide range of industries.
The T-boom vs. knuckle boom decision is one you’ll need to think about before investing in your new equipment.
To help you choose the right crane for your business, let’s look at the differences between these two models. What are the pros and cons of each? What types of jobs is each one best for? What are the differences in cost and efficiency? And ultimately, what is best for your business needs?
What is a T-Boom Crane?
T-Boom cranes can extend their reach and move vertically and horizontally. However, the arm itself cannot bend. Whether this is a limitation will depend on what you intend to use it for.
T-Boom cranes have a number of other key features and capabilities.
- Great for lifting heavy loads to high platforms
- Excellent reach for straightforward projects
- Extra reach for hard-to-reach loads
- Great for large, outdoor jobs.
Common uses for t-boom cranes include large construction jobs such as bridges, electrical work, and other jobs that require reach.
What is a Knuckle Boom Crane?
The main components of a knuckle boom loading crane are the jib, the main boom, and the column. The most notable feature of a knuckle boom crane is the design’s joint arm and segmented boom sections.
These two or three joints make them resemble a finger, hence the name ‘knuckle boom’, and allow the crane to have versatility and dexterity unavailable in other designs.
Naturally, the knuckle boom crane is popular in any industry where tight spaces and challenging loading scenarios are common.
- Great for awkward or hard-to-reach locations
- Ideal for a job site where the operator constantly needs to adjust the position of the crane
- Perfect for tight or small areas
- Excellent for indoor use due to its versatility
The HMF 1130K-RCS hydraulic knuckle boom loader crane is our most popular product. It’s a great all-rounder, ideal for a wide range of industries including construction, roadside assistance, landscaping, transportation, and logistics.
Comparison of T-Boom and Knuckle Boom Cranes
The knuckle boom’s extra joint makes it more versatile in tight areas, making it ideal for companies that need to handle compact environments and loads. Logistics favour using knuckle boom cranes because their flexible design allows them to navigate narrow spaces and pick up objects from shelves with precision.
Lifting Capacity
With both T-Boom and knuckle boom cranes, it’s important to remember they’re both available in varied sizes. Neither design will be effective if you choose a model with too small a lifting capacity for your operation.
The low tare weight of a knuckle boom crane means more space on your truck, leading to a higher payload.
Reach and Flexibility
A knuckle boom crane is best when versatility is required. For example, if you’ll be working indoors or jobs will be unpredictable, such as with roadside assistance.
Ease of Use
Crane designs are constantly improving their controls and user-friendliness to improve operations, making for a more efficient, safer experience. Both T-Boom and Knuckle boom cranes can be fitted with remote control features, and safety and stability features and can be customised to better suit your requirements.
Benefits of Using Knuckle Boom Cranes
- Great for articulating narrow, small, or unusual spaces
- Knuckle boom cranes fold up nicely on your truck and leave the storage room
- Precision control for accuracy
Choosing the Right Crane for Your Project
The key to choosing the right crane is carefully considering the project you’re taking on.
Do you need something to perform repetitive tasks, or will there be a wide variety of positions required from your crane? Will reach or versatility be more advantageous to achieving your goals? Once you have a thorough understanding of your needs, you can find the crane model that ticks the most boxes.
Consulting with a crane expert is highly recommended and the more information you can about the type of jobs you’ll be taking on, the better their recommendation will be. They can consider all factors, ask questions you may not have considered, and offer advice on the best solution for your project.
Why Choose HMF Australia for Your Crane Needs?
Since 1952, HMF has been developing truck-mounted knuckle boom cranes for a wide range of industries. Our models emphasise lightness, durability, and strength with lighter metals used in construction for a lower tare weight for the same sized crane, while still being user-friendly and effective. Our cranes come in a range of designs and sizes from small loading cranes to large loading cranes, so we’re confident you’ll find an invaluable new addition to your fleet.
West-Trans Equipment is Australia’s exclusive HMF distributor, and they specialise in providing guidance and support to our customer base. Our goal is to provide the best quality products with the expertise and skills to back them up.
Choosing the Right Loading Crane is a Game-Changer for Any Business
Both T-Boom and knuckle boom cranes are fantastic designs when used for the right jobs. A knuckle boom usually offers more versatility and precision, but the key to choosing the right crane is knowing the needs of your business.
Call HMF to Discuss the Best Crane Loader for Your Needs!
At HMF Australia, we are excited to guide your business in your next investment. We’ve got you covered when it comes to finding the perfect crane for your needs. To discuss your next crane purchase, get in touch with our expert team today!