A knuckle boom crane looks similar to a standard crane. The main difference is that the boom could fold back like a finger because the boom articulates at the "knuckle" near the middle. This enables the equipment 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 enable more payloads to be lifted 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.
Smaller types of knuckle boom cranes could be used without a licensed crane operator, if the load capacity of the equipment is less than 15,000 lbs. or if the boom's maximum length is less than 25 feet long.
Control systems for these cranes are often different. Some could control from the ground, radio remote control, stand up and seated control. The radio remote systems are capable of running the crane as well as starting it. In addition, lots of 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 contractors and facilities maintenance professionals. These lifts are portable, affordable, lightweight work platforms made for interior use. The patented Girder Lock mast design by Snorkel provides excellent reach and superb stability. 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 individual is needed to operate the equipment. These equipment are easy to transport. They could easily pass through a regular sized doorway and be pushed smoothly into position. These lifts are capable of being erected in minutes and can provide working heights of up to 46 feet, they really are an efficient alternative to scaffold towers.