A vehicle loading crane is a piece of hydraulic-powered lifting equipment mounted to a truck’s chassis or body to load and unload that vehicle. Operated via the truck’s hydraulic or PTO system, the crane folds neatly away when not in use, creating a fully mobile lifting solution.
Vehicle loading cranes can be installed in three main positions. The most common position is directly behind the driver’s cab, where the centre of mass of the truck provides optimal stability. Second, some models are installed at the very rear of the truck bed, which is useful for longer loads. Occasionally, depending on load requirements, some cranes may be centre-mounted.
Vehicle loading cranes are incredibly versatile mobile lifting solutions, ideal for industries where efficient self-loading and unloading are required, such as in transport and logistics, construction, and utilities management, among many others.
Key Considerations Before Installation
Before installing a vehicle loading crane, the most critical factor is ensuring your truck can handle the crane’s tare weight while maintaining vehicle stability. This assessment varies significantly depending on whether you’re considering a front-mounted or rear-mounted configuration. Once you’ve confirmed the truck can safely support the crane itself, you can then determine how much payload capacity remains available for actual loads. Like the trucks themselves, cranes come in a wide variety of sizes and lifting capacities, so proper matching of crane weight and mounting position to your vehicle’s specifications is essential for safe operation.
Manufacturer recommendations will be clear about load handling requirements and limits. Exceeding these limits can void warranties, impact insurance coverage, and increase the risk of accidents, particularly on construction sites and other high-risk environments.
It is also important to consider the mounting position and any space considerations the crane will need to load and unload safely and efficiently. Finally, determine whether chassis reinforcement is required to strengthen the truck’s frame. During lifting operations, the truck’s centre of gravity shifts, and dynamic forces, both vertical and lateral, place additional stress on the frame.
Australian Compliance and Safety Standards
Australia’s National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) guidelines oversee the safety and compliance measures of heavy vehicles, including the use of a vehicle loading crane. For example, heavy vehicles must comply with the Heavy Vehicle (Mass, Dimension and Loading) National Regulation, part of which is that the installation of a crane does not cause the vehicle to exceed its Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) or cause axle overloading.
Work Health and Safety (WHS) obligations mean that businesses and heavy vehicle operators are legally bound to ensure a safe work environment. For heavy vehicle operation specifically, this includes the requirement that all crane operators are trained and competent. For cranes with a lifting capacity of over 10 tonne-metres, a High-Risk Work Licence (HRWL) may be required.
There are also two relevant Australian Standards that heavy vehicles with cranes must abide by:
- AS 1418.11 – Cranes, Hoists and Winches – Vehicle-loading Cranes: this standard covers the specific design, construction, and installation of vehicle loading cranes.
- AS 2550.11 – Cranes, Hoists and Winches – Safe Use of Vehicle-loading Cranes: this standard provides operational guidance and details the required maintenance schedule, operator responsibilities, and testing procedures before use.
The Installation Process Explained
A proper vehicle loading crane installation involves several stages:
- Pre-installation planning: First, assess the truck’s chassis, its weight-bearing capacity, axle load limits, and review all manufacturer specifications to ensure the right model of crane is chosen.
- Fabrication and mounting: Next, any modifications (to the chassis, etc.) are completed to ensure a perfect fit to the truck with all regulations adhered to. This includes building a subframe for the crane to be mounted to which strengthens the truck chassis and limits twisting.
- Hydraulic system integration: Install the Power Take Off (PTO) to power the hydraulic pump, along with all hoses, valves, and associated components.
- Electrical system considerations: Any in-cab controls, remote controls, and electrical connections are installed here. The truck’s electrical systems are tested to handle the extra demand.
- Final inspection and testing: A final diagnostic is run and load testing is conducted to ensure the crane is working sufficiently. Compliance documentation is completed, and any staff training and certification is now performed.
Importance of Using Qualified Installers
Choosing an experienced and qualified installer is one of the best and most efficient ways you can get your truck back to the work site, ready to load up for the next trip in no time at all. To do that, you must find an installer who understands compliance requirements. It’s no good getting the crane installed quickly if the process doesn’t pass muster and you threaten your manufacturer warranty, insurance, and liability in the process.
Secondly, make sure your installer has good warranty and after-sales support. You can generally find this information on their website, but if you can’t, give them a call and ask them to email you some documentation before you commit to the build and installation.
Taking the time to find an experienced and qualified installer is all about avoiding long-term issues. Save yourself time and a headache in the future by doing the research today.
Enhancing Safety with Smart Systems
The modern truck is so much more than a simple load carrying vehicle; it comes with a suite of safety features that help ensure every trip and every load or unload is completed with maximum safety in mind.
Overload protection ensures that a crane system never operates beyond its capacity, by displaying warnings and placing itself into a locked state when it detects a load that is too heavy.
Finally, remote operation and diagnostics mean the crane can be operated from a safe distance, well beyond the cab and the truck itself, minimising the risk of accidents.
Maintenance and Post-Installation Support
While it is important to choose well and install properly, it is equally important to maintain the crane throughout its service life. Based on the model, frequency of use, and environmental conditions, your installer (with the manufacturer’s guidance) will offer the best scheduled servicing. This periodic tune-up means that any wear and tear, cracks, or other damage will be detected long before they become a problem.
Another option for post-installation support is operator training. If your personnel do not have the requisite experience to operate the crane safely, then conducting professional training is highly recommended. This will help the operator manoeuvre the crane correctly, load and unload safely, and troubleshoot any problems themselves.
Finally, periodic compliance inspections are always a good idea to ensure that machinery is still operating under current legislative guidance. As this can change every few years, conducting a compliance check means you safeguard yourself from unknowingly operating outside legal requirements.
Choosing the Right Crane and Installer
Choosing the right crane can seem like a daunting task, but with the right crane installer, the process of selecting, installing, and operating your new vehicle loading crane can be simple and stress-free.
Remember, it is always important to work with accredited suppliers, so get in touch with HMF Australia for more guidance on where and how to add a new vehicle loading crane to your work fleet. HMF Australia in Mulgrave NSW are your one stop shop for subframe, crane, and tray installation.
FAQs
What knowledge should every crane operator have?
Every crane operator should have a thorough understanding of safe operation, load limits and the manufacturer’s operating instructions.
How to operate a truck mounted crane step by step?
Position the truck to provide access for the crane and space for the boom. Deploy outriggers or stabilising machinery. Then, extend the boom, secure and lift the load, and finally, deposit the load into a safe and level location.
What is a 10-year inspection on a vehicle loading crane?
The 10-year inspection is a necessary service and overall assessment of a vehicle loading crane (VLC) after 10 years of operation to ensure its continued safe operation.
Do you need a licence to use a Hiab?
If the vehicle loading crane has a capacity of 10 tonne-metres or more, an operator must have a high risk work (HRW) licence to operate the crane.