Hydraulic Truck Crane

Hydraulic truck cranes are different from other types of cranes because of the way they operate. Instead of using a winch to wind up cables to provide the force of lifting, hydraulic cranes rely on oil. Oil is a fluid that retains its volume. It is incompressible and thus one of the best fluids for pushing pistons towards the direction the force is going to be exerted. The hydraulic pump creates the pressure that will move the piston, an action that is maneuvered by controls in the operators cab. Hydraulic truck cranes typically use a two-gear pump. The boom, a large arm-like structure, is the part that does that actual lifting. It contains several sections,including counterweights to weigh down the crane so that it wont tip once the crane attempts to lift heavy weights. The counterweight can generate up to 1,400 pounds per square inch (9,653 kPa). The boom can lift up and down as well as right to left. Because the crane is mounted on a truck, it is able to travel many distances from job to job and has little dismantling involved. It has a single engine that controls both the truck and the crane itself.

Other Parts
Jib: a latticed structure that extends from the boom. Outrigger: a part that helps maintain the cranes balance by lifting the truck with the help of hydraulics. Rotex gear: The boom can swivel on this gear, located under the cab and also operated by hydraulics. Load movement indicator: lights that flash to the operator to indicate that maximum weight is approaching. Pump: responsible for steering the outrigger. Steel cables: these are reinforced cables that run through the boom and the jib. They can generate up to 14,000 pounds (6,350 kg). Boom swing: this large ball or roller is attached to the carrier and swings 360 degrees in both directions. The swing is controlled by hydraulics and can provide swings at varying speeds for revolving the turntable gearbox. Boom elevation: the cranes boom ascends by double hydraulic cylinders that can be lowered and raised. Boom telescope: another hydraulic operation that helps the boom extend or retract.