Crane vs. Boom Truck vs. Telehandler

Crane vs. boom truck vs. telehandler: which do you need?

A telehandler moves materials on forks to modest heights close to the machine. A boom truck is a truck-mounted crane for lighter picks that need a hoist line and careful placement. A mobile crane handles loads that are heavier, higher or farther out than a boom truck can manage at that radius. If you're not sure, describe the lift and let the operator recommend the machine.

How they compare

Telehandler (telescopic handler): forks or attachments, can drive across a site with the load, good for pallets of block, bundles of lumber and materials to a roof edge. It isn't designed for suspended loads unless fitted with a manufacturer-approved attachment.
Boom truck: a knuckle or telescopic crane on a truck chassis, often with a flatbed that hauls the material too. Quick setup, popular for trusses, roofing, signs, condensers and small package units.
Mobile crane: truck-mounted hydraulic, all-terrain or rough terrain cranes with more capacity and reach, used for rooftop units on larger buildings, steel, tanks, ag equipment and solar or utility gear.

Questions that settle it

How heavy is the heaviest piece, with rigging?
How far from the machine does it land, and how high?
Does it need to hang from a hook and be set precisely, or can it ride on forks?
Is the ground paved, compacted, sandy or soft farm soil, and is there room for outriggers?
Is it a few picks, or a full day of moving materials?

Operated vs. bare

Short crane and boom truck jobs are normally operated rentals, partly because construction crane operators must be certified or qualified under federal rules. Telehandlers are often rented bare, with your own trained operator. Read how crane size is chosen next.

This site is a free quote-request service, not a crane company. Your request goes to a local crane operator, who quotes and performs the work.

Questions

Is a boom truck cheaper than a crane?

Often, for lifts within its capacity, since it's a smaller machine that sets up fast. If the load is too heavy at your radius, a crane is the only option. The operator will say which fits.

Can a telehandler set trusses?

Some smaller truss jobs are done with telehandlers and approved attachments. Long spans and taller walls are usually set with a boom truck or crane.

Can I request a telehandler here?

This site handles crane and boom truck requests. Describe your job anyway, and the operator can tell you whether a crane or boom truck is the better fit.

Are you a crane company?

No. This site is an independent quote-request service. We pass your request to a local crane operator serving the Yuma area, and that operator quotes and performs the work.