1. Overview
A trailer-mounted crane is a mobile lifting solution designed to be transported on a trailer or mobile platform, offering exceptional versatility and ease of deployment across job sites . These cranes combine the lifting power of a crane with the portability of a trailer, making them ideal for industries such as construction, logistics, agriculture, forestry, and emergency response where equipment must be moved frequently between locations.
Key components include the trailer chassis, crane unit (telescopic, articulating, or self-erecting), hydraulic system, outriggers for stability, and towing mechanism. Power sources include diesel engines, electric motors, or PTO (power take-off) from the towing vehicle .
2. Types of Trailer-Mounted Cranes
2.1 By Crane Configuration
| Type | Description | Best For | Lifting Capacity |
| Telescopic Crane | Boom extends linearly in stages; fast height/reach adjustment | Open-area operations, infrastructure projects | Medium to High |
| Articulating Crane | Multiple jointed boom sections that fold like an arm; exceptional flexibility | Tight spaces, obstacle navigation, precision work | Medium |
| Self-Erecting Tower Crane | Pedestrian-operated, fully self-contained unit with onboard generator | Construction projects with space restrictions, timber/steel frame houses | 2,000 kg |
| Hydraulic Crane | Powered by hydraulic system; strong, controlled lifting force | Heavy-duty industrial and construction settings | High |
Expert Tip: When selecting a trailer-mounted crane, consider not only lifting capacity but also transport regulations, setup time, and site accessibility. Always ensure the trailer and crane combination is rated for safe towing and complies with local road safety standards .
2.2 By Application/Size
| Type | Description | Best For | Typical Capacity |
| Mini Trailer Crane | Compact, lightweight, portable | Home renovations, landscaping, small-scale construction | Low to Medium (up to 2,000 kg) |
| Timber/Log Trailer Crane | 2-axle trailer with hydraulic loading crane | Forestry, logging operations | 8,000 kg |
| Industrial Trailer Crane | Heavy-duty, designed for continuous operation | Construction sites, mining, industrial loading/unloading | 5–15+ tons |
3. Specifications (Representative Models)
Mantis TC25 Self-Erecting Trailer Crane
The Mantis TC25 is a pedestrian-operated self-erecting tower crane, ideal for construction projects where space is restricted .
| Parameter | Value |
| Max lift capacity | 2,000 kg |
| Max height under hook | 19 m |
| Jib length | 25 m |
| Lift at 10.8m on jib | 2,000 kg |
| Lift at end of jib | 750 kg |
| Total weight | 21,480 kg |
| Generator options | 16/20/30 kVA (on-board) |
| Special features | Permanent ballast, hydraulic levelling, radio remote control standard |
Unique features :
Can be towed by articulated lorry and moved around site using agricultural tractor or telehandler
Hydraulic outriggers for easy leveling
On-board generator can also power site tools
Permanent ballast eliminates need for second transport vehicle
Preiss Tec PT-TC670L Timber Trailer with Crane
A new 2025 model timber crane and trailer combination for forestry applications .
| Parameter | Value |
| Max reach | 6.5 m |
| Payload | 8,000 kg |
| Total weight | 11,000 kg |
| Rotator | GR-30F |
| Max gripper width | 1,260 mm |
| Tyres | 400/60-15.5 |
| Trailer type | 2-axle timber trailer (TR-80) |
| Features | Hydraulic loading crane, mechanical front support, compressed air connections, CE marking |
Schütte PK 24001L Trailer with Crane
German-manufactured trailer with off-center crane column for long material transport .
| Parameter | Value |
| Permissible total weight | 35,000 kg |
| Total length | 11,000 mm |
| Loading area length | 10,500 mm |
| Internal width | 2,480 mm |
| Side wall height | 1,000 mm |
| Fifth wheel height | 1,300 mm |
| Special features | Crane column mounted off-center (stores long materials), 2 axles with forced steering, stability without additional front support |
ATV Log Trailer with Crane
Compact off-road trailer for forestry and agricultural tasks .
| Feature | Base Model | Advanced Model | Pro Model |
| Load Capacity | 800 kg | 1,000 kg | 1,200 kg |
| Hydraulic Pressure | 2,000 psi | 2,500 psi | 3,000 psi |
| Hitch Compatibility | Standard ATV | Multi-vehicle | Universal (all terrain) |
| Material | Steel frame | Steel frame | Steel frame |
| Tire Size | 26-inch rugged tires | 26-inch rugged tires | 26-inch rugged tires |
4. Key Features & Technologies
4.1 Hydraulic System
Most trailer-mounted cranes utilize hydraulic systems powered by diesel engines, electric motors, or gasoline engines . Typical specifications :
| Specification | Typical Value |
| Operating pressure | ~25 MPa |
| Pump power | ~12.5 kW |
| Fuel tank (diesel models) | ~200 liters |
4.2 Stability & Safety
| Feature | Function |
| Hydraulic outriggers | Stabilize crane during lifting; auto-leveling on many models |
| Permanent ballast | Eliminates need for separate transport vehicle (on Mantis TC25) |
| Radio remote control | Allows operator to stand at safe distance during operation |
| CE marking | Complies with European safety standards |
4.3 Specialized Features by Model
| Feature | Application |
| Off-center crane column | Allows storing long materials alongside crane |
| Forced steering axles | Improves maneuverability for long trailers |
| Self-loading capability | Hydraulic lift towers for reel loading |
| On-board generator | Powers crane and site tools |
5. Applications
| Industry | Typical Tasks | Recommended Crane Type |
| Construction | Lifting steel beams, precast panels, HVAC units, glass facades | Telescopic or self-erecting (2–10t) |
| Logging / Forestry | Loading and transporting logs, timber handling | Articulating timber crane |
| Agriculture | Lifting irrigation systems, grain bins, tractor parts | Compact, all-terrain (2–6t) |
| Logistics / Transportation | Loading/unloading containers, machinery, oversized freight | Hydraulic (4–10t) |
| Maintenance & Repair | Servicing power transformers, wind turbines, rooftop units | Articulating (3–8t) |
| Emergency Response | Debris removal, infrastructure repair after disasters | Rapid deployment (6–15t) |
| Utility / Municipal | Streetlight replacement, traffic signal maintenance | Compact trailer crane |
| Landscaping | Tree trimming, boulder placement, fence installation | Mini trailer crane |
6. Trailer-Mounted vs. Truck-Mounted vs. Self-Propelled
| Feature | Trailer-Mounted | Truck-Mounted | Self-Propelled Crawler |
| Mobility | High (towed by vehicle) | Very High (self-contained) | Medium |
| Setup time | Quick | Fast | Slow (requires assembly) |
| Cost | Lower | Higher | Highest |
| Road legality | Standard trailer regulations | Standard vehicle regulations | Requires transport trailer |
| Best for | Temporary sites, multiple locations | Long-distance travel, urban maintenance | Large, long-term projects |
| Indoor use | Limited | Yes (electric models) | Yes (electric models) |
7. Key Buying Considerations
7.1 Selection Factors
| Factor | Consideration |
| Maximum lifting capacity | Determine heaviest load; consult load chart (capacity decreases with reach) |
| Maximum reach required | Consider both height and horizontal outreach |
| Power source | Diesel for remote sites; electric for indoor/noise-sensitive areas |
| Towing vehicle capability | Ensure vehicle can safely tow trailer + crane + load |
| Site accessibility | Width restrictions, terrain, overhead clearance |
| Transport regulations | Check local road transport laws for trailer dimensions |
| Setup time | Self-erecting models (like Mantis TC25) offer fastest setup |
| Outrigger requirements | Essential for stability; auto-leveling beneficial on uneven ground |
7.2 Load Capacity Guidelines
| Application | Recommended Capacity |
| Small-scale forestry / landscaping | 500–2,000 kg |
| General construction / logistics | 3–8 tons |
| Heavy industrial / mining | 8–15+ tons |
| Timber logging | 8,000 kg+ |
7.3 Trailer Specifications to Verify
| Specification | Typical Range | Why Important |
| Total length | 6–11 m | Road transport compliance |
| Width | 2.5–3 m | Road legality and site access |
| Axle configuration | 2–3 axles | Load distribution, turning radius |
| Forced steering | Optional on longer trailers | Improves maneuverability |
7.4 New vs. Used Considerations
| Aspect | New Trailer Crane | Used Trailer Crane |
| Warranty | Full manufacturer warranty | Limited or none |
| Technology | Latest emissions, safety features | Older technology |
| Condition | Perfect, never used | Requires inspection (hydraulic leaks, frame cracks, winch wear) |
| Customization | Fully customizable | As-is |
| Price | Higher | 40–60% of new |
| Best for | Long-term ownership, critical operations | Budget-conscious, occasional use |
8. Trailer Crane vs. Truck-Mounted Crane (China Market Reference)
In markets like China, "随车吊" (truck-mounted crane) is common . The key difference:
| Feature | Trailer with Crane | Truck-Mounted Crane |
| Prime mover | Towed by separate vehicle | Integrated truck chassis |
| Cost | Lower (no dedicated truck engine) | Higher |
| Flexibility | Can be left at site; towing vehicle used elsewhere | Complete unit must stay together |
| Typical capacity (medium) | 2–10 tons | 8–10 tons |
| Example model | Schütte PK 24001L (35t total) | Sinotruk TX 8x4 with 10t crane |
9. Delivery & Service
| Item | Details |
| Lead time (new) | 2–6 months (varies by manufacturer and configuration) |
| Lead time (used) | As available (stock dependent) |
| Shipping | RORO / Flat rack / Container (disassembled) |
| Warranty (new) | Typically 12 months |
| Certification | CE, ISO 9001 (varies by market) |
| Service network | Available through manufacturer dealers |
| Training | Operator training available from manufacturers/distributors |