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To knuckle or not?

Jatreecompany

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 30, 2014
Messages
53
Location
North Carolina
I know it’s been discussed previously. I’m just looking for fresh info and opinions. Knuckleboom or crane on mechanics truck? Why? Pics would be nice. Looking for ideas. Thanks in advance
 

Junkyard

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2016
Messages
3,621
Location
Claremore, OK
Occupation
Field Mechanic
I've never used a knuckleboom in a mechanic truck capacity. I have a friend that swears by his. He pushes on stuff, pulls on it, can twist, drag or whatever he wants to. I'm not used to how they operate so I'm naturally drawn to traditional style. A simple solution is both :)

When it comes time to pick a crane for my KW it may boil down to capacity and price. Sometimes a knuckle is a little more mounting friendly depending on the truck your installing it on. Chart wise a knuckleboom often has a better chart.
 

GaryHoff

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2009
Messages
810
Location
Alberta, Canada
Occupation
Heavey Equipment Mechanic
I personally really liked my truck with the cobra 6600 maxilift crane. Really nice crane to run, and really good lifting power.
http://www.cobra-cranes.com/detail_product/6600br38600_ft_lb_52_tm/index.htm

Knuckle booms tend to take up more space than a traditional crane, so you will be losing box space on your truck. There is corner mount options available, for some models. The knuckle boom cranes also tend to weigh a more than a traditional crane (when comparing similar lifting capacities) The push/pull/turning force of the knuckle boom is the big selling feature for me. They are a little clumsy to operate, but you would likely get use to the controls
https://www.palfinger.com/en-US/usa/products/knuckle-boom-cranes/PK+5$-d-$001+SLD+1_S003-EK-B


corner mounted:
https://www.palfinger.com/en-US/usa/products/knuckle-boom-cranes/PK11001CM

I know I would miss the smooth up and down of the winch in some circumstances, but overall the knuckle boom is more versatile. Assuming you have the space, weight capacity, and budget, the knuckle boom seems like the better way to go.
 
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JD955SC

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 13, 2011
Messages
1,349
Location
The South
I think in the last thread someone pointed out you could have a winch on the knuckleboom for those timed you wanted the functionality of a crane cable

Around here cranes dominate. One of the guys I worked with used to run an independent welding truck and he loved his knuckleboom but otherwise you don't see many on mechanics trucks. I'd love to try one though
 

DMiller

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 21, 2010
Messages
16,421
Location
Hermann, Missouri
Occupation
Cheap "old" Geezer
Worked on utility company work trucks with knuckle booms, squirt booms, derricks and conventional cranes, knuckles have their place and as noted can accomplish some odd tasks with one but they are heavy as opposed to a fixed stick even opposed to a squirt boom but they can do some really impressive work when called upon. Have to have the chassis capacity, the bracing and outriggers then a defined need for one as for reach/angles/capacity.
 

hvy 1ton

Senior Member
Joined
Jul 24, 2006
Messages
1,942
Location
Lawrence, KS
I keep seeing BNSF MOW trucks with a winch mounted on the third member of the knuckle. Couple of them are mounted in the back right corner, didn't know palfinger had a special model for that, i'll have to try for a closer look. @simonsrplant had a pretty capable knuckle on a 550 few years back, not sure if he's still running it. Link to post https://goo.gl/1fHTHn
 

rwoody

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 27, 2017
Messages
51
Location
Pleasanton TX
Occupation
Heavy Repair/Sales/Military Surplus
i got a new 12000lb knuckle off a marine military truck i would sell

we dont want to run a 3 axle it weighs 7000 lb
would love to use this big boy but too much change for our program
 
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DMiller

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 21, 2010
Messages
16,421
Location
Hermann, Missouri
Occupation
Cheap "old" Geezer
Kind of like the Digger Derrick booms on line trucks, would be a great add to the farm, IF I could figure how to move them in soft ground!!
 

simonsrplant

Senior Member
Joined
Feb 10, 2014
Messages
554
Location
Alberta CANADA
Occupation
Heavy Duty Off Road RSE
I guess it’s a bit late to comment but I’ll chime in...
As mentioned I have a PM knuckle on my F550.
Would never go back.
The pros and cons have been mentioned too, takes up considerably more space and is hefty. (My front axle is always close yet tears have plenty spare)
But the flexibility and reach is awesome... and once a guy gets used to what you can and can’t do... it becomes way more than just a crane.
 

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