Industry Insight

How to Lift a Forklift with a Crane: Lifting Points, Rigging and Crane Size

How to lift a whole forklift with a crane. Find its true weight, use the manufacturer's lifting points and keep slings off the overhead guard. Then rig a spreader bar above the centre of gravity and check the crane on two 12-tonne load charts.

How to Operate a Knuckle Boom Crane: Step-by-Step Truck Mounted Crane Operation

A step-by-step guide to knuckle boom crane operation on a truck. It covers the pre-use check, the PTO and outriggers, what each control lever does, feathering, the load chart, where to stand and how to fold and stow the crane.

Crane Wire Rope and Sheaves: Construction, Inspection and Replacement

Crane hoist rope explained: wires, strands, core and lay, rotation-resistant rope, sheave grooves and D/d ratio, the rooster sheave, shift, monthly and annual inspection under 29 CFR 1926.1413, ISO 4309 discard criteria, salt-water care and replacement.

Hydraulic Crane: What It Is, How It Works and the Main Types

How a hydraulic crane works, explained in plain words. Pascal's principle, the oil circuit from pump to cylinder and the job of each cylinder and motor. The main types, with our capacity ranges from 800 kg to 50,000 kg, hydraulic vs lattice boom and electric hoist cranes, and care basics.

Marine Crane Sizes: Matching Capacity, Reach and Deck to Your Vessel

Marine crane sizes from 0.8 t to 25 t in one table, with the load each model holds at full reach, how to read size at your working radius, and what your vessel must carry.

Davit Crane Guide: Types, Sizing and When a Small Crane Does More

Davit crane types, from portable socket davits to boat and tender davits, how to size one for load and outreach, which davits lift people, and when a small slewing crane is the better tool.

Types of Cranes: 16 Crane Types, How They Work and Where They Fit

A guide to 16 crane types in four families: mobile, fixed, industrial and marine. How each travels and sets up, what it is good at, published capacity ranges, tower crane vs mobile crane, and which types BOB-LIFT builds, with figures from our drawings.

Floating Crane Guide: Types, Stability and When a Pontoon Crane Is Enough

Floating crane types, the largest crane vessels, why cranes on water are derated, the OSHA barge rules and when a pontoon crane is enough.

Crane Boom Guide: Types, Sections, Cylinders and Boom Length

How the boom on a truck mounted or marine crane works. Telescopic and knuckle booms, boom vs jib, A3 to A6 sections, the lift, folding and extension cylinders, and why the longest radius lifts least, with data from BOB-LIFT drawings.

Crane Winch Guide: When Truck and Marine Cranes Need a Winch

What a winch does on knuckle boom and telescopic truck mounted and marine cranes, when a crane with a winch is worth it, what it adds in weight, how the J option works on BOB-LIFT cranes, and the daily rope checks.

Crane Power Line Safety: Clearance Distances, Work Zones and What to Do After Contact

OSHA Table A and HSE GS6 clearance distances, how far five truck mounted cranes reach, the 20-foot work zone rule, working and travelling under lines, and what the crew must do if a crane touches a power line.

Crane Lift Plan: What to Include, a Template and a Worked Example

When UK and US rules require a lift plan, the eight sections a crane lift plan needs, a worked load chart check on our SQ10SA4 10 ton telescopic crane, and a lift plan template for truck mounted and lorry cranes.

Crane Rigging Guide: Slings, Hitches, Sling Angles and Inspection

Crane slings and when to use each, the three rigging hitches, how sling angle raises leg tension, shackles and spreader beams, sling removal criteria, why rigging weight counts on a truck crane's load chart, and a pre-lift checklist.

Crane Hand Signals: Standard Chart, Signal Person Rules and Radio Signals

The 19 standard crane hand signals and how each is given, when a signal person is required, the UK signal set, voice and radio rules, remote control lifts and signal person qualification.

Crane Operator License for Truck Mounted Cranes: US, Australia and UK Rules

OSHA certification for knuckle boom and telescopic truck cranes and its two exemptions, Australia's CV vehicle loading crane licence, the UK competence rules, and where 12 of our crane sizes fall against each threshold.

Crane Hook Guide: Types, Safety Latch, Hook Blocks and Inspection

The parts and types of crane hooks, the hooks on knuckle boom and telescopic truck cranes, what the safety latch is for, why the hook block counts against the load chart, and a two-minute hook inspection.

Crane Counterweight: What It Does and Why a Truck Mounted Crane Doesn’t Need One

How a crane counterweight balances the tipping moment, why mobile and tower cranes need one, and how a truck mounted crane stays stable without it, using outrigger spans and lifting moments from eight of our drawings.

Truck Mounted Crane Slewing: How the Slewing Drive Works and How Far It Turns

How the slewing drive of a truck mounted crane works, rack and pinion or slewing ring, what a 330°, 400° or 360° rotation angle means on the job, and how to keep the slewing system safe.

Truck Tail Lift Guide: How to Choose a Hydraulic Liftgate

Which load to count, how to measure your truck, which platform type fits your body and what voltage the lift needs, with data for 11 hydraulic tail lifts from 500 kg to 2,000 kg.

Timber Crane Guide: How to Choose a Log Loading Crane

How heavy your logs really are, how much reach the grapple needs, and what oil flow and mounting space a timber crane takes, with data for six log cranes from 600 kg to 1,800 kg.

Heavy Duty Truck Mounted Crane: 16 to 50 Ton Knuckle Boom Guide

What 16 to 50 ton knuckle boom truck cranes really lift at 4 m, 11 m and 20 m, how much they weigh, and what truck, hydraulic supply and outrigger space they need.

Crane Shipping from China: Container, Flat Rack or RoRo, Documents and Incoterms

How a truck mounted, knuckle boom or marine crane gets from a Chinese factory to your port. Container, flat rack or RoRo, packing and lashing, documents, FOB vs CIF and the arrival check.

Crane Load Test: What EN 12999, ASME B30.22, LOLER and OSHA Require

Functional, rated load, static and dynamic tests explained, what EN 12999, ASME B30.22, LOLER and OSHA ask for, test weights vs water bags, the records to keep and what to ask your supplier before the crane ships.

Electric Truck Crane Guide: 12 V Electric-Hydraulic Cranes for Pickups and Light Trucks

How electric truck cranes work without a PTO, winch versus electric-over-hydraulic designs, and our 1 t SQ1Z-E and 2 t SQ2Z-E compared on load charts, 12 V power, battery, mounting and safe use.

Small Knuckle Boom Crane Guide: 1.6 t to 3.2 t Truck and Marine Models

Eleven small knuckle boom cranes from 1.6 t to 3.2 t, for trucks and boats, compared on their real drawings: what each lifts at full reach, how boom sections change reach, and what the truck or deck needs.

How to Buy a Marine Crane from China: Specs, Documents and Factory Checks

Eight steps to buy a hydraulic marine crane from China: define the duty at sea, settle power and the deck interface, ask about corrosion, collect the documents, witness the load test, read the quotation and agree after-sales terms. With a checklist and an RFQ template.

Knuckle Boom vs Telescopic Marine Crane: How to Choose for Your Vessel

A knuckle boom folds small and reaches into holds; a telescopic boom reaches further and, from 12 t up, lifts more at the same radius. Six pairs from our drawings, 3.2 t to 20 t, compared on reach, load, stowage, weight, base and power.

Hydraulic Crane for Truck: PTO, Pump, Oil Flow and Pressure

How a truck crane's hydraulic system works and what it needs from your truck: the PTO and pump, the oil flow and pressure our drawings give for 2 t to 50 t cranes, oil grade, safety valves and daily checks.

Flatbed Crane Truck: How to Mount and Choose the Crane

Behind the cab or at the rear of the bed, how much deck and payload the crane takes, which truck class to look at, and six BOB-LIFT cranes from 3.2 t to 12 t compared from their drawings.

Knuckle Boom Crane Attachments: Winch, Grapple, Auger and Man Basket

Winch, grapple, earth auger or man basket: what each attachment does on a truck mounted knuckle boom crane, what it takes from the crane's capacity and hydraulics, and what to check before you order.

Truck Mounted Crane Remote Control: Wireless Remote, Levers or High Seat?

Levers, a high seat or a wireless remote: how each one works on a truck mounted crane, what a radio remote needs on the crane, the rules that cover it and what to put in your order.

Used vs New Truck Mounted Crane: Hidden Costs, Inspection and When Each Makes Sense

A used truck crane is cheaper to buy, not always to own. The hidden costs, a pre-purchase inspection checklist, what remounting involves, and what a new crane comes with from the factory.

Pedestal Crane Guide: Base, Foundation and Sizing for a Hydraulic Pedestal Crane

A pedestal crane is sized by load at reach, then installed from its base drawing. Base flanges, bolt patterns, weights and moments for 18 marine cranes from 0.8 t to 25 t, plus foundation loads, pedestal height and power.

Crane Lorry Guide: Types, Sizes and How to Choose a Lorry Mounted Crane

A crane lorry is sized by the load at your working distance and by what the lorry can carry. Crane types, nine models from 2 t to 25 t, lorry matching and UK and Singapore inspection rules.

Deck Crane Guide: Types, Outreach and How to Choose a Hydraulic Deck Crane

A deck crane is sized by the load at its outreach over the side, not its nameplate tonnage. Types, outreach, stowage, deck strength and power, with drawing data for 24 marine cranes from 0.8 t to 25 t.

Crane Outriggers: Span, Ground Bearing Pressure and Pad Sizing for Truck Mounted Cranes

Outrigger spans from our drawings for 12 truck cranes from 2 t to 50 t, why the full span matters for stability, and a worked example of sizing outrigger pads for the ground bearing pressure.

Service Truck Crane Guide: Sizes, Reach and Truck Requirements

What a service truck crane is, how to size one from its load chart in pounds and feet, what the truck needs, telescopic versus knuckle boom, and the US rules that apply.

How to Buy a Truck Mounted Crane from China: A 7-Step Buyer’s Guide

Seven steps to import a truck mounted crane from China: size it from the load chart, match the truck, verify the factory, settle CE/EAC documents, read the quotation, see the test and agree after-sales terms.

Barge Crane Guide: How to Choose a Hydraulic Crane for a Work Barge or Pontoon

A barge crane is sized by the load at your working reach and the heel it causes, not its rated tonnage. Load data for 17 marine cranes from 4 t to 25 t, a heel estimate, mounting and power.

25 Ton Knuckle Boom Crane: Load Chart, Reach and the Truck It Needs

A 25 t knuckle boom crane lifts its rating only near the column. Real load chart from 4.2 m to 15.9 m, truck and PTO needs, and a 20 to 30 t comparison from our drawings.

Small Truck Crane Guide: Pickup and Truck Bed Cranes from 0.8 t to 5 t

Ten small truck cranes from 800 kg to 5 t compared on their real load charts: what each lifts at full reach, its weight, and the pickup or light truck it needs.

Truck Mounted Crane Inspection Checklist: Daily, Monthly and Annual Checks

Daily, monthly and annual inspection checklists for truck mounted cranes, based on OSHA 1926.1412 and LOLER, with hydraulic troubleshooting and a printable pre-shift sheet.

What Is a Knuckle Boom Crane? Parts, How It Works, Pros and Cons

A knuckle boom crane is a hydraulic crane with a jointed boom that folds behind the truck cab. Its parts, hydraulics, uses, pros and cons, with figures from our 2 t to 50 t drawings.

Boom Truck Sizes: Capacity, Reach and Weight from 2 to 20 Tons

A boom truck's size is its maximum load near the column. This guide compares 2 t to 20 t telescopic boom truck cranes by load at reach, crane weight, mounting space, outrigger span and hydraulics.

Boat Crane Guide: How to Choose a Small Boat Crane for a Fishing Boat or Workboat

A boat crane is sized by the load at the reach you need, not its maximum capacity. The checks for fishing boats and workboats, with load data and base sizes for 0.8 t to 5 t cranes.

How to Tell If a Crane Supplier’s Photos Are Really Theirs

Some crane sellers show another factory's photos with a new logo. Learn the six signs of a re-branded crane photo and the checks to run before you pay a deposit.

How to Read a Crane Load Chart: 5, 10 and 20 Ton Truck Mounted Crane Examples

How to read a crane load chart step by step: radius, boom set-up and rated capacity, with worked 5, 10 and 20 ton truck crane examples.

Marine Crane Buying Guide: Knuckle Boom vs Telescopic Boom and How to Size One

How to choose a marine crane for your vessel: knuckle boom vs telescopic boom, how to read a load chart and how to size one to your deck.

Forklift Jib Crane Guide: How a Fly Jib Turns Your Forklift Into a Crane

What a forklift jib crane is, how hydraulic fly jibs differ from simple fork jibs, how capacity falls with reach, and how to match one to your forklift.

Ship Crane Types: Names, Uses and How to Choose a Crane for a Ship

A ship crane name list: what cargo cranes, derricks, provision, hose-handling, gantry and offshore cranes and davits do, the rules that apply, and where 0.8–25 t hydraulic marine cranes fit.

How Much Can a Knuckle Boom Crane Lift? Capacity by Size and Reach

A knuckle boom crane's rated capacity applies only about 2 m from the column. Real load-chart figures for 2 t to 50 t cranes show what each lifts at 4.5 m and at full reach, and how to size one.

The Dublin World Crane And Transport Summit Will Take Place on 18-19 November

The Dublin World Crane And Transport Summit Will Take Place on 18-19 November, BOB-LIFT

NCCCO Foundation And National Safety Council Develop Crane Safety Tool

NCCCO Foundation and National Safety Council develop crane safety tool, BOB-LIFT

Heavy Lifting for Global Infrastructure And Industrial Projects

Heavy Lifting for Global Infrastructure And Industrial Projects, BOB-LIFT

Trusted by Moldova: BOB-LIFT Folding Boom Cranes

BOB-LIFT has been trusted by clients globally for high-quality lifting solutions. A recent client from Moldova praised our 12-ton folding boom crane for transforming their operations with enhanced efficiency, cost savings, and flexibility. The crane's foldable design proved invaluable for tight spaces, while its stable performance ensured seamless operation across various scenarios.

Explore the Versatile BOBLIFT 800kg Pickup Crane – Efficient Lifting Anytime, Anywhere

BOBLIFT's 800kg pickup crane is a compact yet powerful lifting solution designed for small to medium lifting tasks. Easy to install on pickups, it enables versatile operations in construction, agriculture, and logistics. With simplified controls and strong load capacity, it ensures safe and efficient lifting.

Understanding Spider Cranes: Versatile and Efficient Solutions for Complex Lifting Tasks

What a spider crane is and how it sets up on its outriggers. How to choose one by load at radius, door width and floor load.

The Uses of Cranes in the Marine Industry

Behind a glamorous picture of ships loaded with cargo is a system of intricate activities requiring reliable equipment. Here, cranes are kings providing indispensable mechanisms that physically underpin the sea-faring global economy.

Truck Mounted Crane Installation: Chassis Requirements and Step-by-Step Guide

How to install a truck mounted crane: payload, axle loads, subframe, installation space and PTO flow from the drawings of 10 cranes, then 6 fitting steps.

Ship Crane Parts: Names and Functions of a Marine Crane

The main parts of a ship crane, numbered on the drawing of a BOB-LIFT 5 t marine crane: what each part does, base plate and hydraulic figures by model, and how a marine crane differs from a truck crane.

Crane Accidents: Common Causes and 12 Safety Tips to Prevent Them

BLS data on crane-related deaths, the most common causes of crane accidents from overloading to power lines and two-blocking, the US rule behind each control, and 12 practical crane safety tips for truck mounted and lorry cranes.

Dock Cranes: What Type of Cranes Are Used at Docks, Quays and Jetties

What type of cranes are used at docks: container gantries, portal, mobile harbour and floating cranes at ports, and pedestal or truck mounted cranes at small docks, with reach, tide, foundation and power checks.

What Is the Maximum Angle for a Crane Boom? Crane Boom Angle Explained

The maximum crane boom angle is the top angle on the load chart: 75° on our telescopic cranes. How angle, boom length and radius relate, why capacity rises as the boom goes up, and the OSHA devices that limit the angle.

What Is the Lifting Moment of a Crane? Formula, t·m Ratings and Load Moment Limiters

Lifting moment is load × working radius, in t·m. How to calculate it, why our load charts do not hold the rated moment at every radius, and what a load moment indicator or limiter does on a truck crane.

How Does a Pickup Truck Crane Work? Power, Boom, Outriggers and Limits

How a pickup truck crane turns engine or battery power into boom movement: the pump, valves and cylinders, slewing and the winch, how the bed and outriggers carry the load, and why radius and payload limit what it lifts.

Tips on Safely Putting Marine Cranes on Ships

Marine cranes have a role in the shipping industry owing to their ability to handle cargo that weighs several tons.

Guide on Selecting the Tonnage of a Truck-Mounted Crane

Truck-mounted cranes, the powerhouses of heavy lift operations, are more like the go-to solution in the lifting world – mobile, flexible, and dependable.

How to Choose the Right Truck-Mounted Crane and Maintain It

To top it off, we’ll dive into essential maintenance practices that will keep your investment running smoothly. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the world of truck-mounted cranes.

What Is a Telescopic Boom Crane? How the Boom and Cylinders Work

A telescopic boom crane lifts with a straight boom of nested sections. How the boom and its cylinders work, what boom length does to capacity, with data from our 2 t to 20 t drawings.

Why Do Container Ships Have Unique Hull Shapes?

Today, we’re going to jump into the fascinating world of container ship design. And they do have some interesting features. The first one is the hull.

Ensuring Your Crane’s Peak Performance

Cranes are the unsung heroes of various fields like construction, shipping, and manufacturing. In this piece, we’ll explore some pro tips to keep your crane in top-notch shape.

About the structural features and market prospects of straight-boom and folding-boom truck-mounted cranes

If you work with cranes then chances are at one point you might have confused the two main types of booms in the market. Knowing what you have and if it will work for you is very important.

Safety Requirements to Consider During Crane Operation

One thing you need to ensure you do when using a crane is to ensure the safety measurements are in place since there is an increase in accidents where cranes are involved.

Where can truck mounted crane be used?

Truck mounted cranes are some of the best cranes in the market. Even though they are mounted on trucks, they can work just like any other crane in the market.

Forklift Boom Crane: How a Fly Jib Turns a Forklift into a Crane

How a forklift boom crane turns a counterbalance forklift into a small crane: fork jib versus hydraulic fly jib, four models from 2.3 t to 4.9 t on their load charts, and how to match one to your forklift.

The Key Components of the Crane

What every crane has in common, with a labelled knuckle boom crane diagram. Then the parts of mobile, tower, overhead, jib and marine cranes and a glossary of crane terms.

Advantages of Under-the-Hook Lifting Devices

The under-the-hook lifting device is essential to move safely and transport loads when using cranes and hoists. The crane holds the load in place by this lifting device until it reaches its destination. These lifts are crucial for effectively dealing with heavy loads.

Hydraulic Lock Valve on a Truck Mounted Crane: Pilot Operated Check Valves, Counterbalance Valves and Creeping Outriggers

What a hydraulic lock valve is, how a pilot operated check valve holds the outrigger legs of a truck crane, how it differs from the counterbalance valves on the boom, why legs creep, and a safe way to tell a leaking lock from a leaking cylinder seal.