How Much Weight Can A Crane Truck Lift?

February 2, 2023

What Is A Crane Truck?


crane truck is a heavy-duty vehicle equipped with a crane boom and other mechanical components that allow it to lift and move heavy loads. The crane boom is typically mounted on a truck chassis, and the vehicle is equipped with a cab that allows the operator to control the crane’s movements and perform lifting operations.

How Much Weight Can They Lift?


The weight that a crane truck can lift varies depending on the specific model and its design. A crane truck’s weight-lifting capacity is usually measured in terms of its maximum lifting capacity, which is the heaviest load the crane can safely lift and move. This capacity is determined by several factors, including the size and strength of the crane boom, the type of crane mechanism, and the strength of the truck’s chassis.


Smaller crane trucks, such as pick-up truck-mounted cranes, typically have a maximum lifting capacity of around 3-5 tonnes. These types of cranes are often used for light construction and maintenance work, as well as for moving smaller loads around a job site.


Medium-sized crane trucks normally have a capacity of 15-20 tonnes and are more commonly used in construction and heavy industrial work. These cranes are usually mounted on a truck chassis and are equipped with a telescoping or knuckle boom that allows for greater reach and flexibility. They’re often used for tasks such as loading and unloading large machinery, erecting steel structures, and moving heavy loads around a job site.


Larger crane trucks have a capacity of 30-50 tonnes and are used for heavy construction and industrial work. These cranes are mounted on large, heavy-duty truck chassis and have powerful telescoping or knuckle booms that can reach great heights and lift very heavy loads. They’re commonly used to build bridges and skyscrapers, move large industrial equipment, and perform demolition work.


Other Considerations


It’s also important to note that a crane truck’s lift capacity can be further increased by using specialised attachments such as jibs and fly jibs, which allow the crane to lift loads at greater heights and reach.

In addition to their weight-lifting capabilities, crane trucks have various features that allow them to move and position heavy loads with precision. For example, many crane trucks are equipped with outriggers, which are extendable legs that are used to stabilise the vehicle during lifting operations.


Crane trucks are also equipped with various safety features, such as load sensors and safety shut-off valves, to prevent overloading and ensure that the crane is used safely and correctly.


Hiring A Crane Truck


At Mick’s Towing Service, we provide a towing and crane truck hire service for heavy and bulky items that require lifting to get onto the truck. Call us today on 0411 715 630 or fill out our online quote form for a competitive deal. We service residential, commercial and civil clients throughout the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Northern NSW.


Our Fleet


  • Isuzu FFR Tilt Tray – 4.5 tonnes
  • Hilux Delivery Ute – 1 tonne (with 300kg tailgate lifter)
  • ACCO Crane Truck with Read Mounted Palfinger 23,500 Crane – 2.7 tonnes
  • Nissan UD MK11 Tilt Tray – 4.5 tonnes
  • Nissan UD Pk245 Tilt Tray – 7.1 tonnes
  • Nissan UD Pk17 Tilt Tray – 7.1 tonnes
  • Nissan UD PW24 Condor 280 Heavy Tilt Tray – 12 tonnes
  • Nissan UD Pk17 Tilt Tray Heavy Tilt Tray Towing – 12 tonnes
  • Nissan UD Qud 8×4 Heavy Tilt Tray – 16 tonnes
  • Super Tilt Trailer – 32 tonnes
  • Nissan UD GW460 & Drop Deck Tri-Axle Spread Tuff Trailer – 24 tonnes


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