The knuckle boom crane is somewhat like a regular crane with one main distinction. The boom is capable of folding back similar to a finger. In essence, the boom articulates at the "knuckle" near the center. 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 lifted on the back of the vehicle it is mounted on. Nearly all knuckle boom cranes are mounted behind the cab. This leaves the whole bed of the truck empty.
Interestingly enough, smaller kinds of knuckle boom cranes can be used without a licensed 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 normally different. Some can control from the ground, radio remote control, seated and stand up control. The radio remote systems are capable of running the crane as well as starting it. Furthermore, a lot of models come outfitted with a computer readout system that provides system readouts at once reporting if the crane is overloaded or not.
Personnel Lifts
Snorkel Personnel Lifts are designed for facilities maintenance professionals and contractors. These lifts are inexpensive, lightweight, portable 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, provides great lift capacity.
Snorkel's UL Series Personnel and PAM Series lifts are made so that just one person is needed to operate the equipment. These machinery are easy to transport. They could easily be pushed smoothly into position and pass through a regular sized doorway. These lifts are capable of being erected in minutes and being able to provide working heights of up to 46 feet, they truly are an efficient alternative to scaffold towers.