When it comes to truck-mounted cranes, all vehicle owners and fleet managers consider the lift-to-weight ratio critical. While vehicle weight correlates directly to fuel economy, and therefore operational costs, a low tare weight shouldn’t come at the cost of high lifting capacity.
HMF Truck Cranes have the balance just right, with low tare weight to get the most out of your vehicle’s payload. Let’s take a look at why tare weight is so important when it comes to increased efficiency, cost savings and compliance with safety regulations and standards.
What is Tare Weight?
Tare weight is the weight of an empty vehicle with no driver, passengers or cargo. Also called unladen weight, this measurement is taken with all hydraulic fluids at capacity. Although some suggest that the tare weight is calculated with only 10 litres of fuel, the NSW Department of Transport requires fuel tanks to be full during weighing. If your vehicle is fitted with a truck-mounted crane or similar equipment, it must be weighed to ensure it meets vehicle standards.
Gross vehicle weight (GVM) is a fully loaded vehicle’s maximum allowable total mass, while payload refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely and legally carry.
Why Tare Weight Matters for Truck Cranes
Knowing the tare weight of your truck-mounted crane is essential for calculating maximum legal payload to avoid overloading, putting the safety of the vehicle, driver and others at risk.
Vehicles with mounted equipment with low tare weight have a higher loading capacity on the truck body, improving productivity and efficiency with greater payload. A low tare weight will also help save on the cost of fuel, meaning better performance for less and lowering the cost of ownership over the long term.
Truck Crane Low Tare Weight Benefits
Lighter vehicle loading cranes don’t just mean better fuel efficiency and ease of operation. There are lots of other advantages too.
- Increased payload capacity for reduced wear and tear on your vehicle and reduced maintenance costs.
- Improved payload offers greater productivity and helps lower operational costs.
- Low tare weight makes it easier to meet safety standards and weight requirements.
- Lightweight trucks offer fuel cost savings and also a reduced environmental impact.
- They offer enhanced manoeuvrability and versatility. Improved mobility and handling enhance workflow and service quality.
Low Tare Weight Crane Trucks and Safety
Put simply, vehicles with low tare weights are safer on our roads. As industries like construction continue to grow and more truck cranes are required to provide solutions, technology that makes these vehicles lighter yet stronger benefits everyone.
It’s not just the distribution of weight on a crane truck but its overall mass that can have a significant effect on its handling and performance. Truck cranes with low tare weight have improved stability while driving, making them safer for drivers and other road users.
You can find more information about Australian Standards, Australian Design Rules and Modification Codes for vehicle-mounted lifting systems at the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
Choose a Lightweight Truck Crane to Meet Your Needs
From the materials it is constructed of to the standard features, not all truck cranes are made equal. Here are some things to consider when looking for lightweight truck cranes.
Look for stability
Along with low tare weight, stability and mobility are crucial for optimal truck crane performance. Looking for features that provide this additional support when operating can help keep your staff and others safe.
Think reach
Lifting tasks require a combination of crane range, strength and reach to offer flexibility in varied work environments. In our article Choosing a Truck-Mounted Loading Crane, we’ve compared power to weight in some of Australia’s most popular truck-mounted cranes, where you can also compare tare weight.
Materials matter
Look for brands that use innovation in engineering and construction materials that keep tare weight low without compromising on strength. For example, HMF uses lightweight, high-tensile steel in all models of truck-mounted cranes for long-term durability.
Choose strength
HMF cranes are some of the lightest available in the Australian market, but they have been engineered to ensure no compromise on strength or lifting capacity. This means that you can choose a truck crane that not only meets your current needs but will also accommodate future demands as your business grows.
HMF is the Heavy Lifter of Crane Trucks
If you’re not willing to compromise on strength or lifting capacity, a HMF crane is the best option for you. Made with all the benefits of low tare weight, including increased payload and safety, improved fuel economy, and minimum space requirements, you’ll have the power to lift with HMF.
See our website to browse our range of truck-mounted cranes or get in touch with our specialist team.