A knuckle boom crane looks like a standard crane. The main difference is that the boom is capable of folding back like a finger since 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.
Normally, the arm on a knuckle boom crane is quite a bit lighter than boom truck cranes. The crane arm is designed to allow more payloads to be lifted on the back of the mounted vehicle. Most knuckle boom cranes are mounted behind the cab. This leaves the whole bed of the truck empty.
Interestingly enough, smaller types of knuckle boom cranes are capable of being utilized without a certified crane operator, so 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 usually different. Some could control from the ground, radio remote control, stand up and seated control. The radio remote systems could operate the crane as well as starting it. In addition, many models come outfitted with a computer readout system which immediately provides system readouts reporting if the crane is overloaded or not.
Personnel Lifts
Snorkel Personnel Lifts are designed for facilities maintenance professionals and contractors. 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, utilized 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 individual to utilize. These machines are easy to transport. They can easily pass through a standard sized doorway and be pushed smoothly into position. These lifts could be erected in minutes and being able to provide working heights of up to 46 feet, they are an efficient option to scaffold towers.