A knuckle boom crane looks like a standard crane. The key difference is that the boom is capable of folding back like a finger as the boom articulates at the "knuckle" near the middle. This enables the machinery to be able to transform into a compact size for maneuvering and storage.
Knuckle boom crane arms are somewhat a little lighter compared to boom truck cranes. These crane arms are made to enable 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 kinds of knuckle boom cranes could be used without a certified 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 usually different. Some could 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. Additionally, many models come outfitted with a computer readout system that immediately 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 portable, inexpensive, lightweight work platforms made to be utilized indoor. The patented Girder Lock mast design by Snorkel provides superb flexibility and excellent reach. This system, utilized in the UL Series, provides excellent lift capacity.
Snorkel's UL Series Personnel and PAM Series lifts are made so that only one individual is required to operate the machinery. These machinery could be transported easily. They can easily pass through a regular sized doorway and be pushed smoothly into position. These lifts can be erected in minutes and being able to provide working heights of up to 46 feet, they truly are an efficient alternative to scaffold towers.