The knuckle boom crane is quite similar to a regular crane with one key difference. The boom can fold back similar to a finger. In essence, the boom articulates at the "knuckle" near the middle. This allows the machinery to be able to transform into a compact size for maneuvering and storage.
Knuckle boom crane arms are quite a bit lighter than boom truck cranes. These crane arms are made to allow more payloads to be carried on the back of the vehicle it is mounted on. Nearly all knuckle boom cranes are mounted at the back of the cab. This leaves the whole bed of the truck empty.
Interestingly enough, smaller types of knuckle boom cranes are capable of being used without a licensed crane operator, so long as the maximum capacity is less than 15,000 lbs. or if the maximum boom length is less than 25 feet long.
There are various kinds of control systems for the cranes. Like for instance, there is control from the ground, radio remote control, seated and stand up control. The radio remote systems can run the crane and starting it. Additionally, many models come outfitted with a computer readout system that instantly 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 lightweight, portable, inexpensive work platforms made for interior use. The patented Girder Lock mast design by Snorkel provides superb flexibility and excellent reach. This system, used in the UL Series, offers great lift capacity.
Snorkel's PAM Series and UL Series Personnel lifts are made so that only one person is required to operate the equipment. These equipment are easy to transport. They can easily pass through a regular sized doorway and be pushed into position smoothly. These lifts are capable of being erected in minutes and being able to provide working heights of up to 46 feet, they are an effective option to scaffold towers.