How to Ship a Knuckle Boom Crane: Complete Transport Guide
Knuckle boom cranes—also called articulating cranes or loader cranes—are versatile lifting machines characterized by a jointed boom that folds compactly for transport. They range from small truck-mounted units weighing under 2,000 lbs to large industrial and marine cranes exceeding 15 tons. This guide covers how to ship a standalone knuckle boom crane safely and legally.
Knuckle Boom Crane Weight and Dimension Ranges
Knuckle boom cranes vary widely by capacity and application:
| Crane Class | Lifting Capacity | Machine Weight | Folded Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light-Duty (5–10 tm) | Up to 3 tons | 1,500–4,000 lbs | 6'–10' |
| Mid-Range (20–50 tm) | 5–15 tons | 4,000–12,000 lbs | 10'–16' |
| Heavy Industrial (100+ tm) | 20–40+ tons | 12,000–33,000+ lbs | 16'–24' |
Lifting capacity is measured in ton-meters (tm), which accounts for both the load weight and the horizontal reach. A 50 tm crane can lift 5 tons at 10 meters of reach, or 10 tons at 5 meters. Always verify the specific model's transport dimensions—folded length, width, and height—before selecting a trailer.
Trailer Selection for Knuckle Boom Cranes
Trailer choice depends on whether the crane is truck-mounted or standalone:
- Flatbed (48'–53'): Most standalone knuckle boom cranes ship on a flatbed. Light and mid-range cranes in folded transport position typically fit within standard flatbed dimensions (8'6" wide, 8'6" tall). The crane's outriggers and stabilizers must be folded and secured.
- Step-Deck: For cranes that exceed 8'6" in height when placed on a flatbed. The lower deck (approximately 3'6" off the ground) provides extra height clearance.
- Lowboy / RGN: For heavy industrial cranes (12,000+ lbs) or cranes with large base frames that require the ultra-low deck height of a lowboy. Also used when the crane must be loaded via its own hydraulics.
Loading and Securing a Knuckle Boom Crane
Proper loading is critical for safe transport:
- Fold the Boom: The articulating boom must be fully folded and locked in transport position. Most cranes have a dedicated transport lock or pin. Verify the boom is secured before departure.
- Retract Outriggers: All outriggers and stabilizer legs must be fully retracted and pinned. Extended outriggers can catch on road obstacles and create serious hazards.
- Hydraulic System: Ensure all hydraulic cylinders are retracted and the system is depressurized for transport. Check for fluid leaks before loading.
- Tie-Down Points: Use manufacturer-designated tie-down points. Typically four primary chains are required. Chain rating must meet or exceed the crane's weight. Avoid chaining over hydraulic lines or electrical conduits.
- Rotex Gear / Slew Ring: The crane's rotation mechanism (slew ring) must be locked to prevent the crane from rotating during transport. Most cranes have a slew lock pin or brake.
Permit Requirements
Most standalone knuckle boom cranes ship within standard legal limits and do not require oversize permits:
- Light and mid-range cranes in folded position typically measure under 8'6" wide and under 8'6" tall—no permit required.
- Heavy industrial cranes with large base frames may exceed 8'6" in width, triggering oversize permit requirements.
- Weight is rarely an issue for standalone cranes; most are well under the 80,000 lb GVW threshold when loaded on a flatbed.
Special Considerations for Marine and Port Cranes
Large knuckle boom cranes used in marine and port applications (ship loaders, offshore supply vessel cranes) are significantly heavier and wider than land-based units. These moves often require lowboy or multi-axle trailers, oversize permits, and specialized rigging for loading and unloading. Port crane moves also require coordination with port authorities for access and staging.
Need to ship a knuckle boom crane? IronHaul Logistics handles articulating crane transport nationwide. Call (208) 495-2260, email [email protected], or submit our online quote form for a fast, accurate quote.
Common questions
What trailer is used to ship a knuckle boom crane?
Most standalone knuckle boom cranes ship on a flatbed trailer in folded transport position. Heavier industrial cranes may require a step-deck or lowboy depending on their dimensions and weight.
Do knuckle boom cranes require oversize permits?
Light and mid-range cranes in folded position typically fit within standard legal limits (8'6" wide, 8'6" tall) and don't require permits. Heavy industrial cranes with large base frames may exceed width limits and require oversize permits.
How do you secure a knuckle boom crane for transport?
Fold and lock the boom in transport position, retract and pin all outriggers, lock the slew ring to prevent rotation, and secure with four chains at manufacturer-designated tie-down points. Verify all hydraulic cylinders are retracted before departure.
Can a truck-mounted knuckle boom crane be shipped with the truck?
Yes. Truck-mounted knuckle boom cranes typically ship as a complete unit (truck + crane). The crane must be folded and locked in transport position, and the truck must meet standard DOT requirements for the load.
How much does it cost to ship a knuckle boom crane?
Light to mid-range crane moves on short to medium lanes typically run $800–$2,500. Heavy industrial crane moves on long lanes with permit requirements can run $3,000–$7,000+.
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