The knuckle boom crane is quite like a regular crane with one key difference. The boom is capable of folding back like a finger. In essence, the boom articulates at the "knuckle" near the center. This allows the machine to be able to transform into a compact size for maneuvering and storage.
Knuckle boom crane arms are somewhat a bit lighter than boom truck cranes. These crane arms are made to enable more payloads to be lifted on the back of the vehicle it is mounted on. Nearly all knuckle boom cranes are mounted at the rear of the cab. This leaves the whole bed of the truck empty.
Smaller kinds of knuckle boom cranes could be used without a licensed crane operator, if the load capacity of the machine is less than 15,000 lbs. or if the boom's maximum length is less than 25 feet long.
Control systems for these cranes are often different. Some can control from the ground, radio remote control, seated and stand up control. The radio remote systems are capable of running the crane as well as starting it. In addition, numerous models come equipped with a computer readout system that immediately provides system readouts 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 lightweight, portable, affordable work platforms made to be used indoor. The patented Girder Lock mast design by Snorkel delivers excellent reach and superb stability. This system, used in the UL Series, offers great 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 machinery are easy to transport. They can easily be pushed smoothly into position and pass through a standard sized doorway. These lifts are capable of being erected in minutes and can provide working heights of up to 46 feet, they are an effective option to scaffold towers.