Compare the cranes at the positions your deliveries require
A knuckle boom can suit close placement around obstacles and compact stowage. A stiff telescopic boom can suit a direct reach path. Those are useful starting distinctions, but two particular cranes can overlap on some lifts and differ sharply on others.
Use the actual pickup and placement points to compare their charts. After that, check the folded package, mounting, usable deck length, axle margin and service access. A boom type does not establish the capacity or payload of the finished truck.
Keep operating geometry and stowed dimensions in the same comparison
The crane must work at the delivery site and fit the truck between jobs. Its joints, controls and service requirements also matter to the fleet. Compare those details on the proposed models rather than assuming a universal reach, strength or maintenance advantage for one type.
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| Decision | What to establish | Condition or limit |
|---|---|---|
| Obstacle reach | Articulating geometry can suit work around obstacles. | Confirm the exact operating envelope and load chart. |
| Direct reach | Telescopic straight-boom geometry can suit open, direct placement. | Clearance and capacity still change with radius. |
| Stowed package | Compare folded dimensions, mounting and deck intrusion. | General boom-type assumptions do not replace installation drawings. |
| Fleet support | Compare controls, joints, wear points, inspection and local service. | Maintenance burden is model and duty specific. |
Compare the complete delivery truck on the same lift cases
Request two offers against the same load, pickup and placement schedule. Compare the crane chart at the required geometry, then review what remains for cargo after each installation. Do not award one boom type a payload or reach advantage without the proposed model, mounting position and support configuration. Manufacturer procedures and the applicable chart remain controlling. OSHA 1926.1417: crane operation
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| Buyer question | Evidence from each proposal | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Can it place the required load? | Exact chart, working envelope and attachment deductions | Reject an option that cannot cover the agreed lift cases. |
| Can the truck carry the delivery? | Installed mass, axle schedule, deck dimensions and stowed clearance | Compare usable cargo allowance after the crane is installed. |
| Will it fit the sites? | Permitted support deployment and setup footprint | Flag sites requiring a different delivery method. |
| Can the fleet maintain it? | Model-specific service points, wear-parts list and local support | Price the actual maintenance scope instead of relying on boom-type generalizations. |
OSHA 1926.1417: crane operation OSHA 1926.1404(q): outriggers and stabilizers
Send both suppliers the same lift schedule
Include obstacles and support space alongside the load positions. Request the applicable charts and installation drawings, then compare remaining cargo capacity and local support. Any required lift outside a charted configuration needs a different proposal or site method.
Information to prepare for this review
- Load and dimensions
- Required radius, height and below-grade reach if relevant
- Obstacles and placement access
- Available stowed and deck space
- Lift frequency and operator workflow
- Outrigger space, ground and maintenance support
Records to request and keep
- Scenario-based operating envelope
- Like-for-like load-chart comparison
- Installation and stowed-dimension drawing
- Completed payload, axle and service-access review
Common mistakes and what to check instead
- Declaring one boom type stronger: Compare charts at the same load, radius, height and setup.
- Ignoring the stowed crane: Check transport dimensions, deck space and axle distribution.
- Choosing from reach alone: Include load, obstacles, ground, outriggers and operator workflow.
Scope of this guide
The comparison cannot replace manufacturer load charts.
Model, mounting and setup can change the result.
Do not select either option when the required lift lies outside its approved chart or setup conditions.
Sources and applicability
U.S. construction crane operating requirements and manufacturer procedures. Applicability depends on jurisdiction and activity; not a KEEYAK certification.
Sources checked:
U.S. reference linking permitted outrigger deployment to manufacturer procedures and the load chart. Local rules and exact installation documents remain controlling.
Sources checked:
Controls the project-input, quotation, approval and inspection workflow described in this guide.
Provides public checklists and worksheets; the signed project documents remain controlling.
Defines the relevant product family and published configuration boundaries. Project-specific ratings require the selected OEM documents.
Official U.S. reference supporting configuration-specific load charts, stability factors, inspection identity and removal of hazardous deficiencies. Local rules may differ.