Ask a contractor which crane earns its keep most often, and many will point to the boom truck. It is not the biggest crane on the market or the one that handles the most dramatic lifts. But it shows up on more everyday jobs than almost anything else: setting HVAC units on rooftops, delivering and placing roofing material, installing signs, setting trusses, handling precast and supporting utility work.
A boom truck combines a telescopic crane with a commercial truck, which gives it a rare mix of road speed, flexibility and carrying capacity. For many companies, it is the first crane they buy. For established fleets, it is often the machine that keeps the most jobs moving.
This guide explains what a boom truck is, how it compares with other crane types, how to choose the right size and configuration, and what to inspect before buying a used unit.
A boom truck is a hydraulic telescopic boom crane mounted on a commercial truck chassis. The truck is the same type of heavy-duty chassis used for other commercial vehicles, and the crane is installed on it, along with outriggers for stability and, in most cases, a flatbed deck.
That flatbed is a big part of the appeal. Unlike most mobile cranes, a boom truck can carry the material it is going to lift. A single machine can load a pallet of shingles or an HVAC unit at the yard, drive it to the site and lift it into place without a separate delivery truck.
If you want a deeper understanding of how the boom itself works, read our guides on what a crane boom is and telescopic boom cranes.
Both travel on the road, but a truck crane is built on a purpose-designed carrier, while a boom truck uses a commercial truck chassis. Truck cranes generally offer higher capacities and longer booms. Boom trucks are usually lighter, simpler to own and operate, and more versatile thanks to the deck.
All-terrain cranes combine highway travel with off-road ability and much greater lifting capacity. They are the right choice for larger lifts but cost significantly more to buy and operate. For a full breakdown, see our guide to all-terrain cranes.
Rough terrain cranes are built for unpaved job sites and generally need to be hauled between jobs on a trailer. A boom truck drives itself from site to site, which saves transport time and cost, but it is not designed for rough ground. Learn more in what rough terrain cranes are used for.
For a broader look at where each machine fits, read popular types of cranes.
Boom trucks appeal to a wide range of buyers, including:
For many of these businesses, a boom truck replaces both a delivery truck and a crane rental, which can make it pay for itself quickly when the work is steady.
The most common mistake boom truck buyers make is choosing by maximum capacity alone. Maximum capacity is rated with the boom fully retracted at a very short radius, which rarely matches real work.
What matters is how much the boom truck can lift at the radius and height you actually work at. Setting a rooftop unit means reaching up and over the building edge, often at a long radius where capacity is a fraction of the headline number.
Before buying, list the typical loads, distances and heights from your recent jobs. Then check the load chart for each machine you are considering to confirm it can handle those lifts with a comfortable margin. Our guide on how contractors choose the right crane for heavy lifting projects walks through this process.
Also consider boom length and jib options. A longer boom or an extension jib can open up higher work, such as sign installation or rooftop picks on taller buildings, without stepping up to a larger class of crane.
Boom trucks are commonly built with the crane mounted either directly behind the truck cab or at the rear of the chassis. Behind-the-cab mounts typically leave a longer clear deck for hauling material. Rear-mount configurations can offer advantages in reach over the back of the truck and stability for certain types of work. The right choice depends on whether your business relies more on carrying loads or on lifting from the rear.
Boom trucks may use a seat on the crane, stand-up controls or remote controls. Radio remote controls let the operator stand where they have the best view of the load, which many crews find safer and more efficient for rooftop and delivery work.
Outrigger design affects how much space the truck needs to set up and how stable it is at full extension. On tight city streets and residential sites, a compact outrigger footprint can make the difference between getting the job done and needing a different machine.
Because the truck matters as much as the crane, check the chassis carefully. Engine, transmission, axle configuration and gross vehicle weight rating all affect what the boom truck can carry, where it can legally travel and who can drive it.
The key to buying a used boom truck is remembering that you are buying two machines at once: a crane and a truck. Each one needs its own inspection, and a problem with either can be expensive.
For more on protecting yourself when buying online, read how to buy used cranes online safely, and see cranes for sale: how to find, evaluate and buy the right machine. Independent third-party inspections are always worth the cost on a used machine.
Owning a boom truck comes with requirements on both the crane side and the truck side. Depending on the chassis and its gross vehicle weight rating, drivers may need a commercial driver's license. On the crane side, operators generally need to meet crane operator certification requirements under federal and state rules.
Check what applies in your state and for your specific machine before you buy, so you know whether your current team can drive and operate it or whether you need to train or hire.
The purchase price is only the beginning. Boom truck owners should budget for:
If you are buying from a distant seller, factor in transport options as well, especially if the truck cannot be legally driven home as-is.
Boom trucks remain in steady demand because so many types of businesses use them. To get the best price, prepare both halves of the machine. Gather crane inspection records, truck service history, load charts and documentation for any repairs. Clear, well-lit photos of the boom, outriggers, deck, cab and chassis help buyers trust the listing.
Pricing and timing matter as well. Our guide on maximizing crane resale value with smart pricing and market timing explains how to position your listing. When you are ready, you can list your crane on Crane Network in minutes and reach buyers across the industry.
