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Cranes and knuckle booms: a plain guide for tree service owners

A crane lifts heavy sections of a tree over a house, a pool or a power line, so the crew can take down a big tree without dropping it. A knuckle boom is a smaller, truck-mounted arm that loads logs and brush. This guide covers the main types, which jobs they fit, how to think about buying or renting and what to ask a dealer.

By Umair Nawaz, Lirevon. Last reviewed: October 2026. General information with no brand names; Lirevon does not sell equipment.

What it is

A crane for tree work usually means a mobile crane on a truck or tracks with a long boom. A climber or a bucket worker cuts a piece, a rigger attaches a sling, the crane takes the weight and the piece is swung to a safe place. A knuckle boom is a smaller articulated arm, often fixed to a truck, that picks up logs and loads them.

Crane time is expensive, so planning matters. Fast, safe lifts come from a clear plan and a crew who work well together. Our crane work guide explains how the job runs.

Types and sizes

Capacity depends on how far out the load is. Always use the maker's load chart for the exact reach, not a single headline number.

Large mobile crane (hired)

Size and style: Long reach, high lift capacity

Fits: Big removals over houses and wires

Watch out for: Costly per hour; site access and ground must be checked

Truck-mounted telescopic crane

Size and style: Boom on a truck chassis

Fits: Many roadside and residential lifts

Watch out for: Needs outrigger space and firm ground

Compact or spider-style crane

Size and style: Smaller, can fit tight sites

Fits: Backyards and narrow access

Watch out for: Lower capacity; check the load chart

Knuckle boom on a truck (loader crane)

Size and style: Articulated arm, often with a grapple

Fits: Loading logs and brush

Watch out for: Not for lifting people or heavy tree sections unless rated and set up for it

Crane attachment on a skid steer or loader

Size and style: Small lifting arm

Fits: Light lifts and loading

Watch out for: Limited capacity; follow the load chart

What jobs it fits

Large removals where trees overhang houses, pools or power lines.
Jobs with no room to drop limbs, such as tight lots.
Storm work with a tree on a structure.
Removals where soft ground blocks heavy trucks, using a lighter crane.
Loading logs and brush with a knuckle boom to save labor.

Not sure which jobs pay best? Our equipment guide and guide to estimating tree jobs help you match machines to work.

Comparison table

A quick side-by-side. It is general and not a ranking. The right choice depends on your trees, your sites and your budget.

Comparison of cranes and knuckle booms options
Option	Best for	Main plus	Watch out for
Hired mobile crane	Big, rare lifts	No ownership cost	Hourly cost and scheduling
Truck-mounted crane	Roadside lifts	Fast set-up	Needs outrigger room
Compact crane	Tight yards	Fits small access	Lower capacity
Knuckle boom	Loading logs	Saves labor	Not a lift-everything tool
Own a crane	Weekly crane work	Control of schedule	Cost, training and insurance

Buy or rent

Do not decide on feel. Put your own hours, rates and costs into the free equipment buy-versus-rent tool. Then think about these points.

Buy when

You do crane-type work every week and have the trained people and insurance to run it. This is a big step for a small company.

Rent or hire when

Many small companies rent a crane with an operator for the job. You pay for the time and avoid ownership costs.

Knuckle boom

A loader crane on a truck is a smaller buy that may pay off if you haul a lot of wood.

Ask for a lift plan

A good operator will visit, check ground, access and load weights, and give you a written plan.

Price the job

Use the crane job cost calculator and the buy-versus-rent tool with your own numbers.

Safety and training basics

These are general points, not a training course. Always follow the maker's manual, your insurer and US and state safety rules. Short explanation, not legal advice.

Plan the lift: weights, reach, ground, overhead lines and who does what.
Use only rated slings, shackles and rigging, and inspect them before each lift.
Keep everyone out of the area under the load and out of the swing path.
Keep far from power lines. Call the utility if the work is close.
Use a signal person and agree on hand signals or radios.
Operators may need certification, and rules vary. Check federal and state rules; this is a short explanation, not legal or safety advice.

Also see our job site safety guide.

What to ask a dealer

Take this list with you and write down the answers. Ask for them in writing. A good dealer will not mind.

What does the load chart say at the reach I actually need?
What ground pressure and outrigger space does the crane need?
What operator training or certification is required?
What inspections and service are required, and who does them?
What rigging should I buy or rent with it?
What is the hourly rate, minimum time and travel charge if I hire?
What insurance does the operator carry and what do I need?

Compare at least two quotes, and use your own numbers when you check the cost. If you want your phone answered while you shop and work, see our services, pricing or ask for a free audit.

Common questions

Do tree companies own cranes?

Some do, but many small companies hire a crane with an operator when needed. Ownership is costly and needs trained people. Compare both with your own numbers in the buy-versus-rent tool.

What is a knuckle boom?

A knuckle boom, or loader crane, is an articulated arm mounted on a truck. Tree crews use it to load logs and brush. It is not the same as a large crane for lifting tree sections over a house.

How do I price a crane job?

Add crane time, travel, crew time, rigging, chip and haul costs and your margin. The crane job cost calculator lets you do this with your own rates. Get a written quote from the crane operator.

What size crane do I need for a tree?

It depends on the weight of the pieces and how far the crane must reach. A load chart for the exact crane tells you what it can lift at that reach. Ask the operator to plan it.

What are the main dangers with crane work?

Overloading, ground that gives way, nearby power lines and people under the load are the big ones. Use a lift plan and trained people. General information, not safety advice.

Does a crane operator need a certificate?

In many cases yes, and rules depend on the crane and the state. Check federal and state rules. This is a short explanation, not legal advice.

Can a knuckle boom lift a person?

Not unless it is rated and set up for that, and most are not. Use a rated aerial lift for people. Read the maker's manual.

When is a crane worth the cost?

When the alternative is risk to a house, a pool or lines, or when it saves many crew hours. Compare crane cost with the crew time and risk using your own numbers.

This page is general information, not legal, tax or safety advice. Lirevon does not sell equipment, and no brands are named on purpose.

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