Knuckleboom Crane FAQ Categories
- All
- Crane Installation
- Knuckle Boom General
- Maintenance
- Marine Knucklebooms
- Operation
- Parts and Service
- Purchasing a Knuckle Boom Crane
- Selecting a Knuckleboom Crane
- Service How-Tos
- Technical Questions
Once a crane is finished in production, it takes about 4 to 6 weeks to arrive at our facility. After a few checks, we ship the crane to you, which typically takes 1 to 4 days depending on your location.
We have created a YouTube video just to answer this specific question. You can find it here:
The crane has a Moment Limiter valve that constantly monitors hydraulic pressure in the system. When the pressure in the hydraulic system exceeds a certain level, the valve blocks all crane movement until the extensions are retracted, returning the lifting moment to acceptable levels.
Proportional control allows for controlling the speed at which the crane moves. The more you move a control lever, pull the handheld remote’s trigger or a hib remote’s paddle, the faster the crane will move. How fast the crane moves is proportional to how hard you manipulate the controls.
It is not safe to move a load over the cab of your truck.
Fischer Crane has created a video that covers most operational issues. You can see the video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/fYM1XiABFtk?si=BSN4Sd_l6W4JKf3d
It is recommended that the crane be greased every six weeks, and the extensions every 3 months.
The oil level should be checked and “topped off” after every 100 hours of crane service. The oil should be changed every 1000 hours of crane service.
Amco Veba recommends planned maintenance after 10, 100, 500, and 1000 hours of crane service. This information is in the crane’s “Use and Maintenance Manual”. This manual is delivered in the crane’s information packet. If you don’t have it, contact us, and we’ll send you a digital copy. You can also download this manual on the specific crane’s webpage on our website.
A drifting crane might indicate a seal failing somewhere in the crane. Contact our parts or service department for help troubleshooting this issue.
Amco Veba Parts can be purchased from Fischer Crane. Please call 800.739.4430 and ask for the parts department.
The size of pump required depends on both the selected PTO and the pressure and flow requirements of the crane.
Manuals travel with the crane in a document pouch. However, if you don’t have your manual for any reason, contact our office. We can ensure you have all the documentation and information you need via email or other channels. You can check our “Manual Downloads” page as well; most of the available manuals are there for download.
All Amco Veba cranes have an identification plate on the crane’s column with the crane’s model and serial number imprinted on it.
To request replacement decals, just call our parts department at 800.739.4430.
he typical lead time for a new order is roughly 6 months from factory to our facility. After inspecting the crane, if the project doesn’t involve further installations on our end, we can ship the crane within a week. We only ship on a flatbed truck door to door, directly to your chosen location. This usually takes 2 to 4 or 5 days depending on your location.
We also try to keep the most popular models in stock. If the crane is already here, then we can usually get to your location in 2 to 4 days.
Installation cost will vary depending on the amount of work to be done. For truck cranes, the following can affect the cost
- The type and size of the truck;
- The type and size of the crane;
- Whether the crane is new or used;
- Whether the truck is new or used;
- The type of truck body required; and
- Whether any additional elements are required, such as a toolbox or customized bumper.
These items and more can all affect installation costs. A quote will delineate these costs for you.
To request a quote, fill out the form here with as much information as possible: https://fischercrane.com/contact-us/ and a member of our sales department will contact you.
The main differences between a truck knuckleboom and a marine knuckleboom crane are the components, parts, and design of the base. Because a marine crane is built to be installed on a flat surface or pedestal, its base differs from that of a truck crane, which is installed on two frame rails. Additionally, a truck crane’s base is built to flex with the truck’s frame. And finally, a truck crane has a set of stabilizers built into the crane’s base.
Other than the base, the cranes are identical.
Most cranes require hydraulic oil to operate. While a truck crane can be connected to the truck’s engine via the transmission and a PTO, a marine crane needs a motor that will turn the pump to circulate the oil.
Marine cranes are not sold with these necessary power units because the applications, equipment, and crane operating environments vary so widely.
Yes, we do. They are specifically configured to power our cranes. We can supply both gas and electric power units.
It depends on the crane you are considering. Also, will the truck the crane is mounted on be carrying a payload to the jobsite as well? How much does that payload weigh? The real answer to this question requires a weight distribution study to determine if the front or rear axles, or both, are sufficient for the crane you need and the job you want to do.
Amco Veba’s recommended service schedule
10:
After the first 10 working hours / before putting into service
100:
After the first 100 working hours
500:
After the first 500 working hours
500/1 Year:
After 500 working hours / after one year (at the interval which occurs first)
__00/_Years:
Every 500 working hours / every year (at the interval which occurs first)
1000/1Year:
|After 1000 working hours / after one year (at the interval which occurs first)
_000/_Years:
Every 1000 working hours / every year (at the interval which occurs first)
6 Years:
Additional maintenance activities only every 6 years
There are many names and conventions to describe crane components. For example, would you say “outriggers” or “stabilizers”, “cylinders” or “rams”? From a service perspective, it’s important to use common phrases to describe the issues you are experiencing.
Below is a list of KnuckleBoom’s main components.
- Base
- Slewing system
- Column
- 1st boom
- 1st boom cylinder (lifting cylinder)
- 2nd boom
- 2nd boom cylinder (articulation cylinder)
- Hydraulic extensions
- Extension cylinders
- Manual extension
- Hook
- Fixed control station
- Radio remote transmitter
- Winch (option)
The Amco Veba Marine technical manuals contain two rows of weight figures. The first will be labeled HC1 while the other is labeled HC2. The weight numbers reflect the conditions below for each row of figures.
HC1 – for cranes mounted on a vehicle or structures of equivalent flexibility (i.e., vessels).
HC2 – for rigidly mounted cranes (i.e., docks).
Searching Google for “What does crane HC1 and HC2 mean?” will provide an answer.
Recommended oil properties
| Min. oil temp. at start-up(environmental temp.) | Operating oil temperature range | Recommended viscosity index | Recommended viscosity grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| -11 °C | 17 to 67 °C | VI = 100 | ISO VG 32 |
| -5 °C | 25 to 77 °C | VI = 100 | ISO VG 46 |
| 3 °C | 32 to 80 °C | VI = 100 | ISO VG 68 |
| -18 °C | 13 to 73 °C | VI = 160 | HVLP 32 |
| -11 °C | 22 to 80 °C | VI = 160 | HVLP 46 |
Specification of Recommended Hydraulic Oils
| Environmental Temperature | Viscosity Grade | Min. Viscosity Index | Max Oil Contamination | Recommended Oils |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14°F to 50°F | VG 32 | 98 | 18/16/13 | Biohydraulic TMP FR 32 AGIP OSO 32 Esso NUTO H 32 IP HYDRUS 32 Total AZOLLA ZS 32 |
| 50°F to 95°F | VG 46 | 98 | 18/16/13 | Biohydraulic TMP FR 46 AGIP OSO 46 Esso NUTO H 46 IP HYDRUS 46 Total AZOLLA ZS 46 |
| 95°F to 104°F | VG 68 | 98 | 18/16/13 | Biohydraulic TMP FR 68 AGIP OSO 68 Esso NUTO H 68 IP HYDRUS 68 Total AZOLLA ZS 68 |
A knuckleboom crane resembles a finger on your hand. Just as a finger has two “knuckles”, so does a knuckle boom crane. Knuckle boom cranes articulate and fold, so they take up less space when stowed.
Knuckle booms are very effective in small or tight job sites. Knuckle booms also provide mobility for delivering materials to multiple locations, as they can be installed on vehicles of many sizes, including those as small as pickup trucks or trailers. Knuckle boom cranes can also reach into spaces such as a second-story office. If the crane has negative angle capability, it can even deliver loads into a structure that is slightly lower than the truck it is mounted on. If a knuckle boom is equipped with a jib, it can reach onto the roof of a smaller building to deliver air conditioners or heating units for installation.
Oil maintenance is divided into two subjects, oil filtering and oil changing. Many crane models have a return filter located in the top of the hydraulic reservoir that filters the oil before it is returned to tank. Other tanks are less accessible (mounted below a truck bed) and have a remote stand-a-lone filter located in the return line.
Return filters fall into two categories; cleanable and replaceable element. Tank filters are often cleanable screens that removed, cleaned and returned to their holder. Replaceable elements can be either a disposable element installed in a housing or a housing and filter media in one piece like an engine oil filter.
Oil changing is recommended at least once a year. It is better to change the hydraulic oil twice a year in spring and fall to change it after and before the extremes of our seasonal climates. It is effective to change oil before winter to remove traces of moisture before water droplets can form ice droplets. It is also effective to remove any winter moisture condensation from the oil before you experience the extreme summer temperatures.
Recent high technology enhancements in filtration have added the option for a renewal of existing hydraulic oil. Your oil is cycled through a special series of filter steps that removes many more impurities than on-board filtration can. Your oil is then returned to your crane with an additive boost to replace the additive chemistry broken down in use.
Knuckle boom cranes are typically used for materials handling or in situations where you need to place a load with precision.
Knuckle booms excel in situations where getting to the job site requires navigating narrow streets or tight spaces. This is one of the reasons knuckle booms are very popular in Europe. Imagine driving a big stick boom through small-town streets; it’s just too slow and difficult. Here in the United States, roads tend to be more open, especially in rural areas. But in cities and urban areas like Chicago, near Fischer Crane, knuckle booms are preferred when traversing the city.
But here the reach and capacity requirements are similar; knuckle boom cranes are often lighter, safer, and more mobile, and typically leave room on the truck bed to carry payloads as well.
Amco Veba has 75 different models of knuckle boom cranes. Considering the crane’s max reach and capacity, there are small cranes that can lift 1,260 lbs. at 14 feet all the way to lifting 1,400 lbs. at 96 feet with a jib. Those last numbers reflect the VR85’s max reach and capacity; however, that crane can lift 30,300 lbs at 15 feet without the jib.
On the marine side, the VR150 can lift to 6,525 lbs. at 75 feet 5 inches.
To determine the appropriate crane size, you need to answer the following questions.
- What is the heaviest thing you need to lift, and how much does it weigh?
- What is the maximum distance you need to reach?
- What is the maximum distance you need to lift your heaviest load?
Answering these questions will determine which crane size and model is appropriate for your application.
For Amco Veba marine cranes there are a number of lesser know options available. Thes options listed below allow the customer the configure their crane purchase to more closely match there needs.
Below is a list of available options:
- External open footboard operator console
- External closed footboard operator console
- Seat on column with manual controls
- Foldable operator platform
- Multifunction radio remote controls
- Three winch options – Dinamic Oil, Rotzler, or TMA
- LED working lights
- Electric power units, up to 75 kW
Three levels of Marine protection.
Amco Veba’s MLP Program ensures all electrical and structural components, including crane carpentry, hydraulic cylinder rods, fittings, hoses and piping, pins, hydraulic fittings, bolts, junction boxes are able to meet the rigorous demands of our customer’s marine applications.
Level L0 – Standard Protection
BASIC PROTECTION LEVEL
Mostly for Inland application. Perfect for INLAND WATERS installations or boats sailing solely on internal channels, rivers and lakes.
Level L1 Protection
Suitable for MORE SEVERE INLAND APPLICATIONS. Grants a longer lifetime and can be used in more severe applications but always in environment without high water salinity, mainly on river, lakes and inland waters.
Level M2 Protection
Suitable for MARINE APPLICATIONS with salt atmosphere and high salinity. The marine protection in respect of ISO12944 C5M is effective on all structural parts and all crane components granting 5 – 15 years corrosion resistance in fix port installation or installed on boat sailing on sea.
Level M3 Protection
Suitable for heavy duty marine application with presence of high humidity and high salinity and very harsh marine conditions. To be adopted for the higher severe marine applications on offshore vessel, boats and offshore platform.
THERMAL METAL SPRAY PROCESS
Available as additional protection for Levels M2 and M3.
Thermal Metal spraying is a surface coating process where a liquid metal alloy (zinc/aluminum) is sprayed onto the surface
of crane carpentry. It provide the higher level of corrosion protection to ferrous metals and improve wear resistance in respect of ISO 12944 CX level granting more of 15 years lifetime.
Specific Protection Elements
L0, L1, M2, M3
GEOMET 500 Bolt Protection
Garnet sandblasting of all carpentry.
L1, M2, M3
Marine painting on all structural parts.
M2, M3
Special protection of internal part of telescopic arms.
Special protection of all pins and cylinder rods.
Denso tape protection applied on all hydraulic fittings.
M3
All fittings in stainless steel or in Geomet 500.
Possibly …
The first thing to check is if your truck has a PTO opening in the transmission. A PTO or Power Take Off is necessary to power the crane. Additionally, we need to know the transmission’s make and model to specify the proper PTO for installation.
The next thing to consider is where you want the crane installed, behind the cab or at the rear? This will typically involve moving the truck’s body or extending the truck’s sub-frame. A knuckle boom crane will typically require a minimum 36” of frame space. The amount of open frame space required depends on the size of the crane.
Finally, knuckle boom cranes designed for mounting on a truck also include stabilizers. Accordingly, you must also evaluate what truck elements are between the truck’s frame rails or elements that are attached to the outside of the truck’s frame. Some of those elements, such as a fuel or DEF tank, for a variety of reasons, are difficult or problematic to move. Please note that Fischer Crane will not move or adjust any part of the truck’s emissions systems.
This depends on your application. Knuckle boom cranes typically come with stabilizers or outriggers integrated as part of the crane. Some applications will require additional stabilizers, and Fischer Crane can help to determine if they are necessary.
This can only be determined once you have completed the weight distribution study and will depend on the size of the crane you choose and the axle ratings of the truck you plan to install it on.
The sales process starts with two preliminary questions: how much weight do you need to lift, and how far out do you need to lift it? This will help determine what crane model is most suitable for your application. Be prepared to describe your application in as much detail as possible.
For truck cranes, details about the truck itself. Do you want to install the crane on a new truck or your existing vehicle? In either case, we will need the year, make, and model. Also, what kind of transmission does the truck have, and does that transmission have a PTO opening? It helps if you can send us photographs of the transmission ID plate as well. Do you need the crane to be remotely controlled? Are there any additional tools you need to manipulate or utilize, such as a grapple or auger?
For marine cranes, tell us as much as you can about your application and the vessel, barge, or dock you want to install the crane on. Do you need a winch? And do you need the crane to be remotely controlled? Are you operating in a saltwater environment? How will you power the crane? Do you need a power unit as well? Again, do you need to run additional tools like a pile driver or grapple?
Sharing your needs as completely as possible helps us provide you with a crane that can tackle the jobs you need to get done.
Fischer Crane orders Amco Veba cranes painted in red. In fact, a crane can be painted in any RAL color; you can see the selection here: https://www.ralcolorchart.com/.
The standard color Fischer Crane orders the cranes in is RAL 3002, but you can select any color in the RAL color chart. When ordering a crane, just give us the 4-digit number for the color you want when you place your order.
A load chart is a reach and capacity diagram usually affixed to the crane or supplied in the crane’s technical documentation
There are primarily two types of load charts.
A horizontal load chart will depict the crane with its extensions fully deployed in a horizontal position, parallel to the ground. Underneath the diagram, the chart will show how much weight the crane can lift at the end of a particular extension and how far away from the crane’s column the extension ends. It displays both the distance and lifting capacity at the end of every extension on the crane.
The Amco Veba 924 with seven extensions
The other type is a rectangular diagram showing the arc of a crane’s reach, from its most vertical position to its horizontal position. The axes show a measure of distance. The numbers below show the weight and distance at the end of every extension.
The lines within the radius of the crane’s potential movement show how lifting capacity changes as the crane moves from a horizontal to a vertical position. Look at the load chart below and identify the end of the 4th extension (lifting 1,760 lbs. at 40’5”). As the crane moves more vertically, the capacity will increase to somewhere around 2,700 lbs. This is due to the crane’s geometry and the changing of the load moment.
The Amco Veba 815 with five extensions
How much hydraulic pressure is required depends on the size of the crane. Larger cranes need a higher pressure and oil flow.
PTO selection depends on the truck’s transmission. PTOs have different mounting bolt patterns and must be matched to the transmission PTO opening.