What Is a Crane Boom?
As you search for your next crane or boom truck for your fleet, you may want to brush up on the uses and functions of different cranes. There are several different types of cranes, booms, and boom trucks to choose from, and knowing the difference between them and all their functions can help you make the right purchasing decision for your job site.
Let's start with the basics: What is a crane boom and what is its function? A crane boom is the long arm attached to the cab of a crane. This arm can be used for lifting heavy objects or equipped with a wrecking ball for demolition projects. Each crane and boom will have different sizes, styles, and maximum weight capacities, so it's important to get the right kind of crane for the job. Learn more about the different types of crane booms, as well as boom truck cranes, to find out what kind of boom you need from Crane Network LLC.
Boom Crane Types
There are a few types of crane booms available, each with different applications. Some of the boom crane types you'll see while perusing our crane inventory include:
- Fixed/Straight Booms: These crane booms are one straight arm that can swivel, lift, and lower but cannot extend their reach. Smaller fixed booms may be solid, but many fixed crane booms used in large-scale applications are lattice booms. Lattice booms are engineered to provide optimal strength while remaining lightweight, making them ideal for large cranes and heavy loads.
- Hydraulic Booms: Cranes equipped with hydraulic booms will enjoy increased flexibility, with telescoping or folding arms that can be engaged while working and then retracted or folded for transport. These booms come in different lengths and sizes, and their expanding and contracting nature makes them great for small construction sites or jobs that require high maneuverability.
Which Should I Choose: A Boom Truck or Crane?
While boom cranes are the most common equipment you'll see on a job site, there's also another option: boom trucks. Unlike cranes, a boom truck will have a cab and body similar to a pickup truck, with a boom crane arm in place of the bed. You may be interested in a boom truck instead of a crane if you:
- Need more maneuverability than a traditional crane
- Want simpler operation in a compact design
- Don't need to lift large loads
Keep in mind: boom trucks, unlike cranes, do not have counterweights or stabilizers. While highly versatile, a boom truck will not be able to perform at the same capacities as a traditional crane.
Learn More with the Crane Experts at Crane Network LLC!
Now that you know more about boom trucks and crane booms, you're ready to shop with Crane Network LLC! Browse our inventory of newly listed cranes to find the equipment that works for you and your job site. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at (214) 612-7626 or info@cranenetwork.com.