A knuckle boom crane looks like a regular crane. The key distinction is that the boom is capable of folding back like a finger as the boom articulates at the "knuckle" near the middle. This enables the equipment to be able to transform into a compact size for maneuvering and storage.
Knuckle boom crane arms are somewhat a little lighter than boom truck cranes. These crane arms are made to allow more payloads to be lifted on the back of the vehicle it is mounted on. Most knuckle boom cranes are mounted at the rear of the cab. This leaves the whole bed of the truck empty.
Interestingly enough, smaller types of knuckle boom cranes can be utilized without a certified crane operator, as long as the maximum capacity is less than 15,000 pounds or if the maximum boom length is less than 25 feet long.
Control systems for these cranes are normally different. Some can control from the ground, radio remote control, stand up and seated control. The radio remote systems are capable of running the crane as well as starting it. Additionally, numerous models come outfitted with a computer readout system that provides system readouts at once reporting if the crane is overloaded or not.
Personnel Lifts
Personnel lifts designed by Snorkel have been made to help contractors and maintenance professionals perform jobs at elevated heights. These lifts are affordable, lightweight, portable work platforms made for interior use. The patented Girder Lock mast design by Snorkel delivers superb flexibility and excellent reach. This system, used in the UL Series, offers excellent lift capacity.
The Snorkel UL Series Personnel and PAM Series lifts have been designed and built so as to be easy for one person to operate. These equipment are easy to transport. They could easily pass through a standard sized doorway and be pushed into position smoothly. These lifts are capable of being erected in minutes and being able to provide working heights of up to 46 feet, they are an effective alternative to scaffold towers.