Posted By Geoff Ferneyhough
As a Builders Merchant supplying goods to customers we operate front mounted Lorry Cranes. A number of our drivers state that rear mounted cranes are safer, better, easier to use etc.

The Transport Manager and I are of the opinion that the front mounted cranes are a safer, more suitable option for our business.

Does anyone have any statistics/information in support of either argument.

Thanks in advance

Geoff Ferneyhough

Posted By RP
As an instructor of lorry loader cranes I offer the following.

For better visibility a rear mounted crane is better but will restrict the operation to an arch forward of the crane and over the bed of the vehicle. These cranes often have a seat for the operator and this is often preferred by them.

Mid-mounted has its advantages in that the operator can operate from both sides or a stand/seated operation on larger cranes. Operations can be more stable. Common faults are that the operator only extendeds one leg. (They must extend both).

Either way any planned operation must be within the equipments capabilities and most builders merchants use the mid-mounted type.

There is no hard and fast rule but you should consult with the equipment manufactuers in respect of the operations and loads you intend to move, they can advise on suitability of equipment.