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Learn How Hydraulic Systems are Essential for Different Types of Crane Trucks

Hydraulic cranes are wonders of industry. Look at a 40 ton crane and you can’t help but marvel at how something so compact can lift a load so heavy and elevate it to such great heights.

Crane trucks are relied on by many an industry. Be it construction, mining or transportation, a boom truck crane will play an essential role. And it is why crane trucks come in so many configurations. Whereas light lifters may be diesel or electric powered, hydraulic types of crane rely on hydraulic power for their lifting needs.

In this article we are looking at the different types of hydraulic boom truck crane, and truck hydraulics, generally. Read more to understand why buying used crane trucks for sale from a reputed seller is so important (hint: truck maintenance).

What is a hydraulic crane?

A hydraulic boom truck crane is essentially a mobile crane. Whereas it is propelled on the road by a conventional diesel engine, its boom and crane are operated by hydraulic systems.

Hydraulics is a concept simple to understand but difficult to get right. Defined by Pascal’s principle, hydraulics is a way of transferring energy. A relatively small force exerted at one end is transmitted by incompressible fluid to perform a task requiring a much greater force. A hydraulic crane can, therefore, lift far higher loads and exert much greater pressures than compared to other configurations.

Truck hydraulics run under great pressure and that’s why safe operation and truck maintenance are quintessential.

How does a hydraulic crane work?

Depending on the types of truck, truck hydraulics can vary widely for purpose, specification and engineering. However, every hydraulic boom truck crane will follow these basic principles:

Ram – The ram will transfer the force pumped through the pipes to the application

Hydraulic cables – Hydraulic cables need to be thin and extremely strong. After all, they must transfer power to the ram and handle the inertia of the object being acted upon.

Pump – Hydraulic pumps are responsible for controlling the flow of liquid and control the hydraulic pressure that is applied.

Power source – Pumps need a power source and very often this is a diesel or electric power source.

Types of hydraulic crane

There are many different types of new and used crane trucks for sale that rely on hydraulics. Crane trucks are referred to as ‘40 ton’, ‘100 ton’ or ‘500 ton’. This is the maximum weight the crane can lift.

Depending on the size and configuration of the drivetrain, a hydraulic crane may or may not be suitable to drive on the road. Cranes capable of lifting extremely heavy loads may be tracked vehicles, meaning they have to be transported on trailers. However, most mobile hydraulic cranes have tires and can be driven on the road.

The configuration of a hydraulic crane will also affect its load-bearing capacity. While a crane’s maximum capacity may be, say, 100 tons, as the angle and length of the jib are increased, peak load capacity decreases. Moreover, hydraulics are used in a variety of applications. Here are some other types of crane that employ hydraulics:

• Tree trimming and cutting tools
• Hydraulic excavators
• Hydraulic jacks
• Dumpster trucks

Before buying used crane trucks for sale

Looking to buy used crane trucks for sale? Make sure you get a full truck maintenance record. Hydraulic equipment can wear down with time and use. Seals can decay, stress fractures can appear in rams and pipes. It is essential all of this equipment is replaced at the appropriate time.

It’s why you should select used crane trucks for sale very carefully. Truck maintenance can have an enormous impact on your operation. Not only can it lead to downtime, operating hydraulic types of crane unsafely can be in violation of provincial and federal labour codes.

Trusted Hydraulic Truck Provider

Bik Hydraulics has been a trusted supplier of hydraulic boom truck cranes across North America for decades. Our engineering team has helped prepared numerous configurations of cranes for clients. Get in touch with our specialists to talk about your specific mobile crane needs.

The Ultimate Guide To Purchasing the Right Used Crane Trucks For Sale

Crane trucks are machines of labour. They are not meant to be kept wrapped up in a garage – they are put to work!

Taken from place to place, crane trucks help you lift, carry, extract and install. These are real workhorses in industries ranging from marine to construction. When it comes time to buy used crane trucks for sale, you have to be aware of exactly what you are getting.

Crane trucks are sturdy workhorses! Good used crane trucks for sale aren’t tired out, they are just broken in.

There are far too many types of boom trucks and far too many configurations to guide a buyer of used crane trucks for sale with every little detail. Instead, in this article, we set you on the path that will lead to the right truck for you. Every used crane truck is different; but, with a little guidance from us, you can find a truck that will serve you faithfully for years to come.

Remember: be mindful of the capacity your business can need in the future.

How old is it?

Crane trucks are sturdily-built, reliable lifters. So, it’s no surprise that they keep running for many years. However, age can have a couple of consequences: it may not be legal on the road anymore, and it may lack the safety features you are legislated to have today. Old-but-functioning used crane trucks for sale may seem to offer a lucrative value for money proposition, but can cost you in other ways.

Check for: regulations governing the use of crane trucks in your industry; is the truck still road legal?

Corroded or rusted?

Once you start looking for used crane trucks for sale, you should keep an eye for rust or corrosion showing on the truck. It can be a sure shot sign that it has led a very hard life. Salt on highways, working in proximity to seawater and even some industrial areas can cause corrosion – external and internal.

If the body’s showing signs of rust (or even patches of fresh paint), it’s a sign you should check the hydraulic mechanism and drivetrain thoroughly. Cables, gears and motors, once they start developing rust, become safety hazards as much as causes of downtime.

Check for: rust on the under-body of the truck; corrosion on the boom; discoloured or misshapen seals and gaskets.

Has it been maintained?

Boom trucks face significant wear and tear in their working lives. Regular maintenance is essential for maximizing the longevity of the craning mechanism and the truck itself. Before finalizing from a stock of used crane trucks for sale, you should get a service record.

Unexplained gaps or ambiguous references to ‘checked’ should raise red flags.

Check for: service history; part replacement and maintenance details.

Repaired or botched?

Unfortunately, not every boom truck owner has the same mindset of taking care of their truck. Some will take care to replace or repair parts the right way, others will rely on a “botch” or “that’ll do” approach.

Replacement parts, especially, should be accompanied by a full record of source and conformity with manufacturer specifications.

Check for: different brands of parts; unsightly welds and tape; missing seals and gaskets; inspect hydraulic mechanism thoroughly.

What is its capacity today?

Just like a car engine that will lose horsepower over time, used crane trucks for sale too may offer reduced peak performance. It is not a sign of damage – it is simply a reality.
How much of a performance loss? Well, that can be a subjective answer and will vary from truck to truck. That’s why you need to buy from people who have a good reputation in the industry. At Bik Hydraulics we make sure our customers make informed decisions about their crane trucks.

Check for: sufficient capacity overhead in truck performance; working history of the truck.

At Bik Hydraulics we have a vast inventory of new and used crane trucks for sale. If you have a need, we have a truck for it. We treat our trucks with the respect they deserve. Our motto: your business should get the boom truck it can trust and rely on for years to come.

NEW OR USED? WHICH SHOULD YOU CONSIDER FOR YOUR NEXT BOOM TRUCK PURCHASE?

6 CRITICAL QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE BUYING A KNUCKLE BOOM TRUCK

6 SUREFIRE WAYS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR BOOM TRUCK

You’ve worked hard, you’ve saved your money, you deserve to spoil yourself.  You drive to the car dealership, walk in proud as can be and plunk down $400,000 for a brand new shiny red Ferrari 812 Superfast.  One of the world’s most incredible feets of automotive engineering.  You take the The Pilota Ferrari driving course to learn how to get the most out of your new found love.  You never miss the regularly scheduled maintenance intervals and as amazing as this car is and exciting it is to drive, this vehicle won’t earn you a single penny.  None the less, you will love this car like its your child ensuring it is cared for in every way possible to keep it pristine.

Nothing is to good for your shiny red Ferrari! Right? Well why not your boom truck?

1. READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL

Did you know that less than 1% of boom truck owners read their owners manual unless there is a problem?  Did you know that unless a company is forced to have proper training few companies will ever provide it?

We have a local customer who owns several boom trucks.  We won’t see the trucks for months and months.  Then we see the same truck 3 times in one week. This will prompt me to call our customer and ask him how long has he had a new operator? And of course he wonders how I would know. The answer is very simple.  If suddenly we see the same boom truck coming into the shop 3 times in one week, then I know someone is not operating the boom properly. At that point I will notify my customer that I would like to keep his operator there for a couple hours and familiarize him with the boom. 9 times out of 10 when we are finished with the repair and the truck leaves our shop, I never see the operator back.

In this scenario, the operator is happy, our customer is happy, and in turn, his customers are happy. So, reading your owners manual is critical to help ensure your boom truck is being operated properly and will have a longer and less costly life.

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6 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE PURCHASING A SIGN TRUCK

In the early days of modern signmaking, installers would use ropes, pulley systems, lifts, and ladders to accomplish various aerial jobs. However, over the years, the use of sign trucks has made it easier for industry operators to take their sign businesses to great heights. These machines are both mobile and versatile, and have made it easier for installers to work seamlessly—even in hard-to-reach areas.

Buying a sign truck is a significant investment that requires a great deal of thought.

Whether a company is looking to enhance the reach of its installation business or expand its overall services, here are seven factors for sign shop owners/managers to consider before making a purchase.