What is a Crane Boom?

Cranes are typically used on many construction sites and are equipped with a crane boom which is used to help construct buildings or to tear them down. The crane boom is a long, fixed or hydraulic arm that is attached to the crane cab and is used to lift heavy objects, like palettes of bricks or constructed walls. A wrecking ball attachment is also applied to destroy buildings for a number of reasons.

How Crane Booms Work

The crane boom bears most of its weight when positioning a load, and the length of the boom determines the crane’s maximum reach. While the length of the boom can’t be changed, there are many different sizes of cranes available for use.

The crane boom is like a large lever that allows the engine to apply greater force over a shorter distance to lift a load. Cranes are equipped with counterweights that prevent the crane from tipping over while it lifts a load. Chains are also attached to the load to make sure it doesn’t fall off the crane boom. Crane operators adjust the angle of the crane boom to lift, lower, and move the load.

Crane booms are similar to the booms on a boom truck. However, boom trucks are a bit different than cranes.

Boom Truck vs Crane

Boom trucks are vehicles with an extendable boom mounted to the roof or bed, if it’s a truck. Boom trucks are trucks with a mounted crane as opposed to a mobile crane, which is a crane vehicle built from the ground up to be a crane.They can also be used to lift heavy objects on construction sites. Unlike a crane, boom trucks do not have counterweights. They can lift up to 50 tons, but anything past that will cause the truck to tip over.

There are many uses for boom trucks. A boom truck is usually described as a hydraulic crane that is mounted to a commercial truck chassis. There are different types of booms that can be used on both boom trucks and cranes.

Some of the boom types are:

• Telescopic booms
• Hydraulic booms
• Lattice booms
• Straight booms

How Does a Telescopic-Boom Work?

A telescopic-boom is a hollow boom that allows the elongation and retraction of the boom. When lifting a load, booms will be able to move left to right as well as up and down. In most cases, especially with knuckle booms, the boom is operated via a remote control system. A control system allows simultaneous movements and can come with different functionalities, safety levels, and features.

Systems like HIPRO and HIDUO are the market leading smart functions that provide added capacity, along with the highest level of precision and safety for your remote control system.

What is a Hydraulic Boom?

A hydraulic crane boom is able to extend to different lengths and retract for easy transport. They operate with a powerful hydraulic system. Hydraulic fluid is pumped into cylinders containing pistons. The pump generates pressure that pushes the pistons in and out, and that allows the sections of the crane boom to extend or retract.

Cranes that use hydraulic booms are equipped with outriggers that allow the crane to stay balanced when lifting heavy loads. Outriggers are beams with pads, known as feet, on the bottom. Hydraulic crane booms can lift up to 60 tons.

What Metals are Crane Booms Made From?

Crane booms are made from metal because metal is strong, durable, and fire-resistant. High-strength low-alloy steel is used to construct cranes and crane booms. SHLA steel is lightweight compared to most metals to make it easier to drive the crane and carry heavy loads at the same time. SHLA steel also is resistant to corrosion, which makes it an ideal choice for construction sites, as construction vehicles are left exposed to the elements for hours to days to weeks at a time.

Heavier cranes are more expensive to move around. This is why cranes, crane booms, and other crane parts are now made with SHLA steel.

Crane Boom Applications

Cranes can be used in the transport industry for the purpose of systematic loading or unloading of freight from trains or trucks. It is most known for use in the construction industry for things such as building materials delivery, steel erection, rooftop delivery, lifting into builds, lifting under bridges, and more! High buildings, such as commercial buildings, high-rise apartments, and skyscrapers require cranes for construction. 

Some other types of cranes include knuckle boom cranes, K cranes, tower cranes, side-lifter cranes, rough terrain cranes, and all-terrain cranes. These cranes are typically used for lifting and transporting. Modern cranes use either internal combustion engines or electric motors to supply power to lift and transport heavy loads.

Knuckle Boom Crane Suppliers

The crane and the crane boom are important tools to use for construction, transportation, lifting, and much more. Different cranes are able to complete many different tasks. HIAB has knuckle boom cranes, crane parts, and much more. As a national crane dealer, Contact HIAB today if you have any crane needs or view our selection of knuckle booms!