A knuckle boom crane looks like a typical crane. The main difference is that the boom is capable of folding back similar to a finger as the boom articulates at the "knuckle" near the middle. This enables the machine to be able to transform into a compact size for storage and maneuvering.
Knuckle boom crane arms are somewhat a little lighter than 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. Most knuckle boom cranes are mounted behind the cab. This leaves the whole bed of the truck empty.
Interestingly enough, smaller models of knuckle boom cranes are capable of being used without a certified crane operator, so long as the maximum capacity is less than 15,000 lbs. 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, stand up and seated control. The radio remote systems can run the crane and starting it. In addition, numerous models come outfitted with a computer readout system which 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 to be used indoor. The patented Girder Lock mast design by Snorkel provides superb flexibility and excellent reach. This system, utilized in the UL Series, provides great lift capacity.
The Snorkel UL Series Personnel and PAM Series lifts have been designed and built so as to be easy for one person to use. These machines can 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 are an efficient alternative to scaffold towers.