Is a Truck Crane Considered Special Equipment?
2 Answers
It has been clearly established that a truck crane is not considered special equipment. Truck cranes and tire cranes are two entirely different things and should not be confused. Introduction to Truck Cranes: A truck crane is a type of crane mounted on either a standard automobile chassis or a specially designed automobile chassis. It features separate compartments for the driving cab and the crane operation cab. The advantage of this crane is its excellent mobility and quick transfer capability. The drawbacks are that it requires outriggers during operation, cannot carry loads while moving, and is unsuitable for use on soft or muddy terrain. Working Principle of a Truck Crane: Below the crane boom, there is a rotating drum wound with a steel wire rope. The rope passes through a pulley at the top of the next boom section to extend the upper boom section, and so on. When retracting, the drum reverses to retract the steel wire rope, and the boom retracts under its own weight. This rotating drum is driven by a hydraulic motor, which is why you can see two hydraulic hoses, but they should not be mistaken for hydraulic cylinders.
I've seen many truck-mounted cranes operating on construction sites, and they are absolutely special equipment—no joke about it. These cranes are mounted on trucks and can lift heavy loads, posing incredibly high risks. According to national regulations, they fall under the category of lifting machinery and, like elevators and boilers, are key supervised special equipment. Operators must hold a special operation certificate and undergo training and assessments; otherwise, they can't escape liability if accidents occur. I know a master operator who drove without a license, resulting in the crane overturning and injuring several people. In daily use, they must undergo regular annual inspections at testing stations to check components like steel cables and booms, ensuring they're safe and undamaged. In short, don't underestimate them—special equipment management is about saving lives. Following the rules ensures safe and smooth operations.
