A lorry mounted crane — also called a loader crane, hiab lorry or hiab crane lorry — is a hydraulic knuckle-boom crane mounted permanently on a goods vehicle. The crane sits between the cab and the load body, and the whole unit is operated by one driver.
How It Differs from a Mobile Crane
A mobile crane is a dedicated crane vehicle — it drives to site to lift, but carries nothing on its back. A lorry mounted crane carries a load on its flatbed and can lift that load off using the crane at the destination. It's a transport and lifting solution in one vehicle, which is why it's so widely used in logistics, construction and plant hire.
The Knuckle Boom Explained
The "knuckle" in knuckle-boom crane refers to the articulated joint in the boom arm. Unlike a straight boom that lifts from a single pivot, a knuckle-boom crane folds at one or more joints, allowing it to work over the cab, behind the vehicle, or at an angle. This makes it far more versatile in confined spaces.
Typical Specifications
- Lifting capacity: 5 to 25+ tonne-metres at the knuckle
- Maximum reach: 8 to 20 metres depending on model
- Slewing: typically 360 degrees
- Stabiliser outriggers: deployed before each lift
Who Uses Lorry Mounted Cranes?
Construction contractors, steel fabricators, container operators, plant hire companies, utilities and hauliers all use lorry mounted cranes regularly. Any job that involves delivering heavy goods and placing them precisely — without a separate crane vehicle — is a candidate for this equipment.
Read more on our lorry mounted crane hire page, or request a quote.
