Types of Mobile Cranes and Their Applications

What are the Different Types of Mobile Cranes?

Every lifting project comes with its own set of challenges, tight spaces, heavy loads, or complex logistics. At TNT Crane & Rigging, we understand that choosing the right equipment is key to a safe and efficient outcome. That is why we have put together an overview of the main types of mobile cranes and their applications to help make it easier to match the right crane to the right job.

Mobile cranes are essential to a wide range of industries, offering the flexibility to move between locations and tackle lifts in hard-to-reach areas. Here are a few common types of mobile cranes and how they are used:

Hydraulic Truck Cranes

These cranes are mounted on wheeled trucks and rely on hydraulics for lifting power. They are ideal for quick setup and short-term jobs, especially when mobility and speed are priorities. Common uses include commercial construction, HVAC installations, and maintenance work.

Rough Terrain Cranes

Designed for off-road performance, rough terrain cranes are built on four rubber tires and feature all-wheel drive. Their compact frame and powerful lifting capacity make them well-suited for job sites with uneven or rugged ground, such as energy and infrastructure projects.

All-Terrain Cranes

Combining the highway mobility of truck cranes with the off-road capability of rough terrain models, all-terrain cranes are among the most versatile options available. They are commonly used for large-scale construction, bridge work, and even wind farm installations. Operators must be trained to safely operate a mobile crane, especially when managing complex terrain and heavy loads.

Crawler Cranes

Mounted on tracked undercarriages, crawler cranes offer outstanding stability and lifting power. While they require more time for setup and transport, they excel in long-term projects that involve repeated heavy lifts, such as precast concrete placement or industrial plant construction. Outriggers or mats are often used to stabilize a mobile crane on softer ground, ensuring safe and steady operation throughout the lift.

Boom Trucks

Boom trucks are smaller, more nimble cranes often used for lighter lifts. Their truck-mounted design makes them easy to drive on highways, while their telescopic boom can handle straightforward lifting tasks in tight spaces, perfect for utility work and small construction jobs.

At TNT Crane & Rigging, we offer a wide selection of mobile cranes along with expert support to help ensure every lift is done right. Whether it is a simple job or a complex project requiring detailed planning, our team is ready to deliver the right equipment and expertise to keep things moving.