Buying a Ute Crane: 3 Things to Consider
ShareA ute crane is a small sized crane which can be fitted onto the rear side of your pickup. The crane can perform light lifting which makes it an ideal tool for farmers and construction contractors. If your business requires you to lift items for loading and unloading on a regular basis, you should consider investing in a ute crane for your truck. Below is a guide to 3 things you should consider when buying a ute crane.
Truck modifications
Depending on the type of crane and the size of the flatbed on the back of your truck, you may need to make modifications. These modifications will normally involve making structural adjustments to the truck so that it can safely accommodate the crane. However, these modifications can be costly, so it is best to buy a custom made crane which fits perfectly into the back of your vehicle. If you are unsure if you need to modify your truck, you should contact a ute crane contractor for further advice.
Lifting capacity
You also need to carefully consider the weight of the material you wish to lift using the crane. Each different type of ute crane will have a different lifting capacity which will be listed on the load chart. It is vital that you select a crane which is capable of lifting loads as planned. If you attempt to lift a load which is too heavy, the crane may fail, and this could result in your truck tipping over or the load suddenly falling to the ground. Either of these events could result in serious injury or even death. If you have any trouble calculating the lift capacity that you require, you should speak to a ute crane contractor.
The type of crane arm
Finally, you will need to decide if you want to invest in a ute crane which has a powered or a manual crane arm. As the names suggest, a manual arm will require you to push the arm yourself to swing the load over the side of your truck, whereas a powered arm is powered by a motor. Manual crane arms are typically cheaper than powered arms, but they also require much more effort and skill to operate.
A ute crane could transform your business and make it much easier to load and unload your truck. However, before you purchase a ute crane, you should make sure you are buying the right type for your needs. For more information, you should speak with a ute crane operator.