Mobile Crane vs Lorry Crane: Key Differences You Need to Know
Cranes play a vital role in a wide range of industries, from construction and agriculture to public works. They are the backbone of lifting heavy loads, whether it’s shifting materials on a construction site, loading machinery on a farm, or handling heavy cargo in industrial facilities. However, choosing the right crane for the job can be the difference between a smooth operation and one full of delays or risks. Two of the most commonly used cranes are mobile cranes and lorry cranes. Both are used for similar tasks but differ significantly in their design, capabilities, and ideal usage. Understanding the key differences can help you make an informed decision for your project’s specific needs.
Mobile cranes are large, powerful machines designed for lifting heavy loads with a variety of capabilities, including traveling over rough terrain and highways. They have higher lifting capacities and are suited for complex, large-scale projects. On the other hand, lorry cranes are mounted on trucks and are more compact, road-legal, and faster to move. They are ideal for smaller jobs in urban settings or areas with limited space but have a lower lifting capacity compared to mobile cranes.
Comparison Table: Mobile Crane vs Lorry Crane
| Feature | Mobile Crane | Lorry Crane |
|---|---|---|
| Lifting Capacity | Up to 130 tons | 3.2 to 16 tons |
| Mobility | Can travel on highways and rough terrain | Road-legal, moves quickly between job sites |
| Setup Time | Quick and easy setup, adaptable for multiple tasks | Slower setup, suited for specific tasks |
| Size | Larger and more versatile | Compact and ideal for confined spaces |
| Power | High lifting power for heavy loads | Lower lifting power, suited for lighter loads |
| Typical Use | Heavy-duty lifting, large-scale projects | Small, localized jobs, quick transport needs |
| Cost | Higher due to larger size and capacity | More affordable for lighter tasks |
This comparison highlights the essential differences between mobile and lorry cranes, making it easy to decide which one is suitable for your project.
Understanding Mobile Cranes
What Are Mobile Cranes?
Mobile cranes are versatile machines designed to move and lift heavy loads across a variety of environments. These cranes are not fixed to one location, making them ideal for construction projects where mobility and flexibility are crucial. Mobile cranes can be mounted on tires, tracks, or crawlers, which allows them to move easily across uneven terrain. They come in various sizes and types, including the small mobile crane, crawler mobile crane, and the mobile crane with a telescopic boom, each designed for different tasks. Whether you need a mini mobile crane for small spaces or the biggest mobile crane for massive lifting, there’s a mobile crane for every job.
Types of Mobile Cranes
- •Crawler Cranes: These cranes are mounted on large tracks (similar to a tank’s tracks) and are perfect for working on rough, uneven surfaces. A crawler mobile crane offers stability and strength, making it ideal for tough jobs.
- •Rough Terrain Cranes: These cranes are specifically designed for off-road jobs. With a wheeled undercarriage and large, durable tires, a rough terrain mobile crane can handle rough and unpaved surfaces. They also feature outriggers for added stability during heavy lifts.
Advantages of Mobile Cranes
- •High Capacity: Mobile cranes can handle extremely heavy loads, with some models lifting up to 130 tons. Whether you’re using a mobile small crane or a larger mobile crane telescopic boom, these cranes provide impressive lifting power.
- •Great Mobility: Mobile cranes are designed to be moved easily from one job site to another, often even traveling on highways. For example, a mobile crane truck mounted is perfect for fast transport and quick setup.
- •Quick Setup: Mobile cranes, including the mobile crane mini and mobile crane crawler, are quick to set up and ready for action in a matter of minutes. This means less downtime and more productivity for your project.
- •Versatility: From small mobile crane tasks to big jobs requiring a boom mobile crane, these cranes can perform a wide range of lifting operations. Whether you need a mobile mini crane for tight spaces or a rough terrain mobile crane for tough conditions, you can count on their versatility.
What Are Lorry Cranes?
Understanding Lorry Cranes (Truck-Mounted Cranes)
Lorry cranes, also known as truck-mounted cranes, are cranes mounted on the rear of a heavy-duty truck. These cranes are often used to transport materials or equipment from one place to another while also having the ability to lift and unload items directly from the truck bed. Unlike mobile cranes, which are more versatile in their usage, lorry cranes are best suited for smaller loads and confined spaces. They are commonly used in urban environments or for tasks that require mobility with ease of transport.
Key Features of Lorry Cranes
- •Compact Design: Lorry cranes are smaller in size, making them ideal for tight spaces and crowded construction sites. The mobile crane small design allows them to easily navigate urban areas and tight corners.
- •Road Legal: Since they are mounted on trucks, lorry cranes are road-legal and can travel on public roads without the need for a special permit. This makes them easy to move quickly between job sites.
- •Smaller Capacity: Lorry cranes typically have a lifting capacity of 3.2 to 16 tons. While they are great for lighter tasks, they don’t compare to the lifting capacity of larger mobile cranes, such as a biggest mobile crane or a mobile crawler crane.
Mobile Crane vs Lorry Crane: Key Differences
- •Lifting Capacity The most obvious difference between mobile cranes and lorry cranes is their lifting capacity. A mobile crane can lift much heavier loads, with some models capable of carrying up to 130 tons. In contrast, a lorry crane can typically only handle lighter loads, ranging from 3.2 to 16 tons. For heavy-duty jobs requiring the use of a mobile crane telescopic boom or crawler mobile crane, a mobile crane is the better option.
- •Mobility and Speed Mobile cranes offer greater versatility in terms of mobility. Many can move across construction sites and even highways. For example, a mobile crane truck mounted is perfect for traveling between sites with ease. On the other hand, lorry cranes are road-legal and are quicker when it comes to moving from one job site to another. However, their ability to travel off-road is limited compared to mobile cranes.
- •Setup and Versatility Setting up a mobile crane is quick and easy, allowing you to get started with lifting tasks almost immediately. In contrast, a lorry crane is typically slower to set up for more complex tasks. While lorry cranes are great for specific jobs requiring speed and precision, mobile crane small and mobile crawler crane types offer greater versatility for different lifting challenges.
- •Power vs Speed Mobile cranes are more powerful but are generally slower to move from one location to another. If your project requires significant lifting capacity, such as when using a biggest mobile crane, this added power is essential. Lorry cranes, while quicker to move, are less powerful and suited for lighter tasks.
When to Choose a Mobile Crane vs a Lorry Crane
Ideal Uses for Mobile Cranes
Mobile cranes are perfect for large, complex projects that require significant lifting capacity, adaptability, and off-road mobility. Whether you're handling heavy equipment or moving materials across uneven terrain, a rough terrain mobile crane or mobile crane mini would be ideal. These cranes excel in projects that need both power and flexibility.
Ideal Uses for Lorry Cranes
Lorry cranes are best for smaller, more localized tasks where speed is essential, and the crane doesn't need to lift extremely heavy loads. They're ideal for jobs in tight spaces or urban areas, where their compact design and ability to travel quickly between job sites come in handy. If you're working in a confined area or need to load and unload materials efficiently, a lorry crane is the perfect solution.
Other Types of Cranes You Should Know
What Are Boom Trucks?
Boom trucks, also known as boom mobile cranes, are another type of truck-mounted crane. They are designed to be compact and capable of lifting moderate weights. These cranes are often used in construction and other industries where lifting needs are not as heavy as those required by larger cranes. A boom mobile crane is typically used for lifting up to 54 tons and can reach impressive heights.
Mobile Cranes or Lorry Cranes? Which Is Right for You?
When deciding between a mobile crane and a lorry crane, consider your project's specific needs. If you need to lift heavy loads, access tough terrains, and require more versatility, a crawler mobile crane or mobile crane telescopic boom would be the better choice. On the other hand, if you need a compact, road-legal crane that’s quick and easy to move, a lorry crane might be the right fit for your project.
Need Help Choosing the Right Crane?
Choosing the right crane for your project can be tough, but we’re here to help! Contact us today for advice or crane rentals. We offer a wide range of mobile cranes, including mini mobile cranes, crawler mobile cranes, and rough terrain mobile cranes, all ready to meet the needs of your project.