When it comes to top-shelf machinery, a few European countries come to mind and Denmark is one of them. HMF Group, a world-renowned Danish crane company pioneered the development of truck-mounted cranes. Known for their durability, precision, and innovative designs, HMF cranes are trusted for their ability to meet the demanding needs of today’s logistics and construction industries.
Let’s take a deeper look into the history of HMF and the vehicle loading industry as a whole.
What are Truck Mounted Loader Cranes?
A truck-mounted loader crane is a crane designed to lift and move heavy loads directly from the back of a truck. Usually mounted behind the cab or at the rear of the vehicle, these cranes are mostly used in industries like construction, logistics, and transport to streamline loading and unloading tasks. Additionally, homeowners can hire them for the delivery of heavy objects, such as a matured tree, a large sculpture or a feature boulder, for landscaping purposes.
With hydraulic arms and precision controls, they can handle everything from building materials to machinery and large trees, offering a mobile solution for jobs that require heavier lifting than humans can handle.
What is the difference between a mobile crane and a truck-mounted crane?
The key difference between a mobile crane and a truck-mounted crane lies in their design and purpose. A mobile crane is typically larger than a truck-mounted one. A mobile crane is a self-contained unit with a crane permanently built onto a bottom-heavy vehicle. These are the cranes you see most often on construction sites, lifting heavy objects like steel beams to highrise developments.
In contrast, a truck-mounted crane is installed on a standard truck chassis, often used for loading and unloading cargo directly from the vehicle itself. With the addition of a fly jib and or winch, a truck-mounted crane can become more versatile on construction sites when it comes to reaching over the top of buildings or structures.
What Does HMF Do?
As previously mentioned, HMF is a globally recognised leader in the design and manufacturing of truck-mounted loader cranes. We offer a wide range of solutions to meet diverse lifting needs and are globally recognised for being the lightest cranes on the market.
The HMF brand has three main categories of cranes:
Small Loading Cranes
Capacity: 0-10 tonne-metre. Ideal for lighter tasks, offering a high lift-to-weight ratio and flexibility for various vehicle sizes.
Medium Loading Cranes
Capacity: 11-28 tonne-metre. Versatile and compact, perfect for consistent lifting tasks in freight transport and building operations.
Large Loading Cranes
Capacity: 30-95 tonne-metre. Designed for heavy-duty lifting, these cranes offer advanced hydraulic systems and safety features for professional-grade tasks.
Let’s dive into the long history and the Danish foundation of the pioneering company.
Early Beginnings of HMF
HMF’s journey dates back to 1945 when Arne Bundgaard Jensen opened a humble bicycle and auto repair shop in Denmark. Over time, HMF pivoted and expanded its operations into the production of truck equipment.
These early efforts marked the beginning of HMF’s commitment to innovation and quality. The trucking revolution laid the groundwork for the brand’s future growth and global success in the crane manufacturing industry.
Evolution of HMF Cranes
With an exceptional entrepreneurial eye for opportunity, HMF found a gap in the crane market in 1952 when it developed its first truck-mounted crane, setting the stage for years of success. By consistently focusing on innovation and quality, HMF managed to stay ahead of industry trends and continued leading the way in crane manufacturing to this day.
Today, HMF cranes evolved to be recognised for their lightness despite being strong and durable, making them the trusted choice across industries worldwide.
Industry Trends and Innovation
A central theme for HMF’s success was always staying ahead of the curve by investing in new technologies and staying on of and embracing industry trends. One of the most groundbreaking solutions they developed was the intelligent Electronic Vehicle Stability (EVS) system which help prevent tipping or unsafe operations.
HMF Performance and Quality
HMF cranes are built with the specific needs of their clients in mind, prioritising quality, safety standards, and innovation in every design. We ensure that our products meet stringent industry standards, including ISO 9001, ISO/TS16949, and the European Machinery Committee directive EN12999, so customers can trust they are getting reliable, top-quality equipment.
This commitment to industry standards, combined with innovative solutions that enhance safety and protect both equipment and operators, is what sets HMF apart from its competitors.
HMF Global Presence and Local Service
As a result of our innovation and safe solutions, HMF has achieved extraordinary continued growth. Its reach now extends across the globe, with partners in over 40 countries and subsidiaries in Denmark, Germany, Norway, and the UK.
This global presence allows the company to deliver its renowned Danish quality. By working closely with their partners and hiring the most ambitious employees imaginable, HMF provides expert guidance and consistent customer experience of the highest value worldwide.
This winning combination of global innovation and local care has solidified HMF’s reputation as a leading manufacturer of truck-mounted loader cranes.
HMF Partnerships and Collaborations
As a result of innovation and safe solutions, HMF has achieved extraordinary growth with reach now extending across the globe, with crane body-building partners in over 40 countries and subsidiaries in Denmark, Germany, Norway, and the UK.
This global presence allows us to deliver its renowned Danish quality. By working closely with its partners in select marketing communications, HMF provides expert guidance and consistent customer experience of the highest value worldwide.
This winning combination of global innovation and local care has solidified HMF’s reputation as a leading manufacturer of truck-mounted loader cranes.
Milestones and Achievements
HMF has celebrated many significant milestones over the years, showcasing its dedication to innovation and quality.
Two significant milestones include:
- 1992: the company became an ISO-certified crane manufacturer
- 1998: HMF further solidified its reputation by submitting patents for its groundbreaking stability system (EVS) and safety system (RCL).
These achievements highlight our forward-thinking approach and its focus on developing cutting-edge solutions for the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who invented the truck crane?
The crane truck was invented in 1947 by Eric Sundin, the founder of Hiab.
What is the history of Hiab crane?
Hiab cranes originated in Sweden in 1944, revolutionising material handling with hydraulic lifting technology.
Are HMF cranes good?
Yes, HMF cranes are highly regarded for their lightness yet durability, innovative features, and adherence to strict quality standards.
Future Outlook of HMF and Truck-Mounted Cranes
HMF shows no signs of slowing down. With a solid foundation built on exceptional quality and advanced capabilities, we are maintaining a strong commitment to growth and innovation, continually investing in cutting-edge technologies and fostering a highly skilled workforce.
The journey from a small auto repair shop in Denmark to becoming a global leader in truck-mounted loader cranes inspires the team to continually move forward.
HMF’s dedication, visionary leadership, and ambitious team whose focus remains on delivering safety, reliability, and seamless customer experiences, ensures the future remains bright.