Truck Mounted Cranes Market By Product Type (Knuckle Boom, Telescopic Boom, Lattice Boom); By Lifting Capacity (<10 Tons, 10–30 Tons, 30–50 Tons, >50 Tons); By End User (Construction, Utilities, Municipal, Logistics, Defense); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Truck Mounted Cranes Market is projected to grow steadily between 2024 and 2030, registering an estimated CAGR of 6.7 %. The market is valued at USD 11.3 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach nearly USD 16.67 billion by 2030, according to Strategic Market Research.

 

Truck mounted cranes serve as critical mobile lifting solutions across a wide spectrum of industries — from construction and utilities to mining, logistics, and defense . These cranes combine the reach and lifting capacity of a crane with the mobility of a truck, allowing operators to lift and transport heavy loads without the need for separate transport vehicles or stationary lifting systems.

 

Between 2024 and 2030, this market is gaining strategic relevance due to several converging global forces. The most prominent driver is infrastructure modernization. Many nations, especially across Asia and Eastern Europe, are channeling stimulus funding into road, rail, and energy projects. These large-scale projects demand mobile, flexible lifting systems — and truck mounted cranes are filling that gap.

 

Urbanization is another catalyst. As cities expand upward and outward, there's greater demand for equipment that can navigate dense spaces while delivering robust lifting performance. Traditional crawler cranes or tower cranes often lack the versatility needed in tight job sites. That’s where compact, high-reach truck-mounted variants stand out.

 

Electrification and sustainability mandates are also beginning to reshape the segment. Some OEMs are exploring hybrid crane trucks or retrofitted electric powertrains to meet stricter emissions regulations. Meanwhile, automation and telematics are steadily finding their way into crane operations — helping to reduce operator error and improve site safety.

 

From a stakeholder perspective, this is a capital-intensive market where decision cycles tend to be long — but once made, contracts are sizable and recurring. OEMs dominate the design and integration side, while fleet rental companies and construction contractors represent the largest buyers. Public sector entities, particularly in infrastructure and utilities, are also significant purchasers. And with supply chains under pressure globally, logistics companies are starting to invest in multipurpose crane trucks for port handling and warehouse logistics.

 

This is no longer a purely mechanical market. It’s evolving into a digitally enhanced, emissions-sensitive, and application-diverse space. And that’s exactly why more investors, OEMs, and contractors are beginning to reevaluate their crane strategy.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The truck mounted cranes market can be segmented across four primary dimensions — product type, lifting capacity, end-user application, and geography. Each segment reflects the operational, regulatory, and logistical requirements faced by different stakeholders.

By Product Type, truck mounted cranes are generally split into three broad categories: knuckle boom cranes, telescopic boom cranes, and lattice boom cranes. Telescopic boom cranes are the most widely adopted due to their straightforward hydraulics, high load-bearing strength, and versatility in medium to heavy-duty lifting tasks. However, knuckle boom cranes are gaining traction fast, especially in urban construction and utility work, where their compact footprint and flexible articulation allow operation in tight or elevated spaces.

 

By Lifting Capacity, the market ranges from light-duty units under 10 tons to high-capacity systems exceeding 50 tons. In 2024, the 10–30 ton segment holds a dominant share due to its suitability for most civil infrastructure, utility, and urban development tasks. However, the above 50 tons segment is expected to grow the fastest between now and 2030 — primarily driven by heavy industrial applications, port logistics, and energy projects such as wind turbine installation and oil & gas facility upgrades.

 

By End-User, construction continues to be the largest and most consistent demand driver. Urban mid-rise projects, bridge construction, and road maintenance all rely heavily on mobile cranes. That said, the utilities and energy sector is emerging as a strategic growth pocket — especially as power grids are modernized, and renewable installations increase. Telecoms and defense are also investing in mobile crane capabilities, though they remain smaller verticals.

 

By Region, adoption varies dramatically. Asia Pacific leads the market in both volume and growth rate, with China and India investing aggressively in infrastructure and manufacturing. Europe emphasizes compact, low-emission cranes, driven by stringent sustainability laws. North America remains a stronghold for high-capacity cranes and rental-based demand. Latin America and the Middle East are still underpenetrated but gaining momentum as construction activity picks up in urban and industrial zones.

 

It’s worth noting that segmentation in this market is becoming increasingly digital. Some vendors now offer software modules or telematics subscriptions as value-added segments — tracking crane utilization, predictive maintenance, and job site safety compliance. So, segmentation is no longer just about tonnage or boom type. It’s starting to reflect usage models, operational visibility, and lifecycle economics.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

Innovation in the truck mounted cranes market isn’t just about lifting more — it’s about lifting smarter, safer, and with greater adaptability. Over the next few years, the space is set to undergo a quiet but meaningful transformation as digital tools, automation, and environmental mandates reshape design and deployment strategies.

One of the most visible shifts is the integration of telematics and remote monitoring. Crane fleet operators now demand real-time data — from load tracking and fuel consumption to boom position and hydraulic health. Several OEMs are embedding IoT sensors that feed into centralized dashboards, allowing logistics managers to monitor dozens of cranes across multiple job sites. For example, some European contractors now track crane uptime remotely to optimize deployment for roadwork zones that rotate every few days.

 

Electrification is another fast-emerging trend , although full electric cranes remain niche for now. Hybrid models — which combine a diesel drivetrain with battery-assisted lifting — are beginning to gain traction in urban markets, where noise restrictions and emissions laws are tightening. Scandinavian countries and select German cities are testing all-electric knuckle boom cranes for municipal maintenance work. While battery performance still limits heavy-duty adoption, lighter models under 20 tons are showing early promise in fleet trials.

On the materials side, lightweight high-strength steel is allowing cranes to extend further without compromising payload. Some manufacturers are combining these materials with modular boom designs — enabling field upgrades or segment-specific customization. This modularity is especially helpful for fleet owners serving mixed urban and industrial clients across different terrain and clearance constraints.

 

Automation is also creeping into operations. Semi-autonomous load balancing, angle sensors, and collision avoidance systems are now integrated into premium crane models. These aren’t just about convenience — they’re part of a broader move toward reducing jobsite incidents and insurance liabilities. As job sites become more complex and space-constrained, the margin for operator error shrinks. In a recent U.S. pilot program, automated load stabilization reduced dropped payloads by 30% over three months.

Partnerships are beginning to drive innovation too. Crane OEMs are collaborating with software vendors, battery tech firms, and urban construction platforms to co-develop solutions. One notable case: a leading Japanese OEM partnered with a smart city developer to embed crane operations into a digital twin platform — allowing city planners to simulate lift logistics before approving permits.

Finally, expect aftermarket innovation to play a bigger role. Retrofit kits for emissions compliance, digital control upgrades, and boom extensions are becoming a secondary business line for crane manufacturers. This creates a longer lifecycle and recurring revenue — an attractive proposition in a capital-heavy market.

All in all, innovation here isn’t flashy — but it’s practical. It’s about making cranes work better in the environments that need them most.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The truck mounted cranes market is served by a blend of global heavyweights and regionally focused manufacturers. Competitive dynamics vary widely by geography, crane size, and application vertical. But across the board, the common theme is platform flexibility — the ability to meet both standard and custom lifting demands in diverse terrain and regulatory environments.

Liebherr remains one of the most dominant players globally, particularly in high-capacity telescopic cranes. Its advantage lies in vertical integration — from steel fabrication to control systems — and a strong presence in both OEM sales and service. The company’s cranes are widely adopted in energy infrastructure, bridge building, and port logistics. Liebherr has also been an early mover in digital telematics and operator-assist systems, building out a connected fleet ecosystem long before many peers.

 

Palfinger , headquartered in Austria, leads the pack in knuckle boom cranes . These cranes are known for their compact design and articulation, ideal for urban work, municipal services, and mid-rise building projects. Palfinger has aggressively pursued electrification, unveiling hybrid crane truck models designed for city use. The company also pushes hard on modularity, offering dozens of preconfigured boom lengths and mounting options that simplify fleet customization.

 

XCMG and Zoomlion , two Chinese manufacturers, have gained considerable share in emerging markets — especially across Asia, Africa, and parts of the Middle East. Their cranes tend to be more cost-competitive, though they’ve made noticeable gains in durability and digital functionality over the last five years. XCMG, in particular, is scaling up its R&D on smart lifting systems and launching joint ventures in Southeast Asia to localize production and reduce logistics costs.

 

Tadano , based in Japan, has carved out a strong niche in all-terrain and rough-terrain truck mounted cranes. Its products are heavily used in petrochemical, mining, and remote construction environments. Tadano recently expanded its U.S. presence through strategic acquisitions, positioning itself as a hybrid player serving both developed and frontier markets. It emphasizes reliability, minimal downtime, and simplified serviceability — key attributes in regions with limited technical support infrastructure.

 

Manitowoc , through its Grove brand, is a major force in North America and Europe. Its telescoping cranes are popular in infrastructure projects, and the company benefits from a deep dealer and rental partner network. Manitowoc is also investing in electrification, with prototypes of plug-in hybrid cranes in the pipeline. Their Crane Control System (CCS) platform allows cross-model operator familiarity, which is a strategic differentiator for fleet owners.

 

Smaller regional players like Fassi, Hiab, and PM Group compete in the light-duty and specialty crane segments. These companies often win on local relationships, aftermarket support, and niche customization — especially in Europe and parts of Latin America.

 

Competitive benchmarking in this market goes beyond tonnage. Buyers increasingly evaluate cranes based on:

• Telematics and fleet tracking capabilities

• Maintenance intervals and service footprint

• Compliance with emissions and noise regulations

• Availability of retrofit kits and resale value

Ultimately, it’s not about who lifts the most — it’s about who helps contractors lift with the least friction, in the widest range of environments, with the fewest service disruptions.

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

Adoption patterns for truck mounted cranes vary sharply by region — shaped by differences in infrastructure maturity, labor cost, environmental regulation, and even urban design. While some regions are investing in heavy-duty high-reach systems, others are doubling down on compact, mobile solutions that fit tight cityscapes or rural backroads.

Asia Pacific is currently the largest and fastest-growing region for truck mounted cranes. Countries like China and India continue to channel public funds into roads, power grids, bridges, and manufacturing facilities — all of which rely heavily on mobile lifting systems. China has seen consistent growth in its domestic crane manufacturing sector, with OEMs like XCMG and Zoomlion gaining share even outside their home markets. Meanwhile, in India, the boom in data centers , telecom towers, and metro construction is fueling demand for compact truck-mounted units with mid-range lifting capacity. That said, fragmentation remains high, and fleet standardization is still evolving.

 

North America maintains a mature crane ecosystem, dominated by infrastructure renewal projects and industrial applications like oil & gas, steel, and utilities. Demand here is shifting toward cranes with enhanced telematics, emissions compliance, and automation — especially in urban centers like New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, where regulatory oversight is tightening. Crane rental is the dominant model, with many contractors opting to lease units on a per-project basis to manage capital costs. Manufacturers like Manitowoc and Tadano continue to benefit from a deep service network and strong ties to rental firms.

 

Europe is defined by compact design, hybrid systems, and emissions awareness. Regulatory frameworks in Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia are driving the shift toward hybrid or low-emission truck-mounted cranes , particularly for urban construction and public sector use. Knuckle boom cranes are especially prevalent here due to narrow streets and strict noise ordinances. Several OEMs are piloting electric boom trucks for use in city maintenance, bridge repair, and telecom services. Eastern Europe, while still catching up, is starting to modernize its crane fleets through EU infrastructure funds and vendor financing programs.

 

Middle East and Africa (MEA) is a mixed picture. In the Middle East, countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are investing heavily in urban megaprojects, stadiums, and port expansions — all of which require heavy-lift mobile cranes. However, demand here often leans toward large, high-capacity models rather than light-duty systems. In contrast, sub-Saharan Africa is still underpenetrated. Most truck mounted crane deployments here are tied to mining, energy, and development aid projects. Portability, durability, and service simplicity are key selling points due to rugged conditions and limited access to parts.

 

Latin America is seeing gradual growth, particularly in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia. Public investment in roadways, renewable energy, and housing is creating steady if uneven, demand. Fleet ownership is low, so rental and lease-to-own models are popular. The market favors low to mid-capacity cranes, typically under 30 tons, that can service both industrial and residential construction zones. Trade barriers and currency volatility remain challenges for foreign OEMs, but localized assembly initiatives are helping mitigate costs.

In summary, regions like Asia Pacific and the Middle East are scaling fast due to volume and infrastructure investment. North America and Europe are innovating on efficiency, emissions, and fleet intelligence. And markets like Africa and Latin America are gradually unlocking access through smart financing, portable design, and modular service support.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

The end-user landscape for truck mounted cranes is highly diverse — spanning global contractors, utility providers, municipal governments, logistics companies, and energy developers. Each of these groups approaches crane procurement and usage with a different set of priorities, shaped by factors like project timelines, labor availability, safety protocols, and return on asset utilization.

Construction companies represent the largest and most active user group. These firms rely on truck mounted cranes for everything from steel beam placement and precast panel handling to bridge girder installation and modular building assembly. Mid-sized cranes in the 20– 40 ton range are especially popular in this segment due to their flexibility and transport efficiency. Contractors often prefer cranes that can self-deploy, operate on uneven terrain, and clear urban overpasses without special permits. The ability to quickly reposition the crane between job sites without dismantling is a critical factor in project scheduling and labor allocation.

 

Utility and energy providers are another major segment — and one that’s becoming more strategic. Power grid upgrades, wind turbine erection, and substation construction all require lifting equipment that’s both mobile and reliable. In remote areas or along linear infrastructure (like pipelines or transmission lines), truck mounted cranes offer a better cost-benefit profile than stationary cranes or heavy lift helicopters. This segment is also one of the earliest adopters of hybrid and low-emission cranes, especially in countries pushing toward net-zero infrastructure development.

 

Municipal and government agencies typically use light-duty knuckle boom cranes for streetlight maintenance, traffic signal installation, tree trimming, and emergency services. These buyers prioritize compact designs, fast setup times, and safety features that reduce operator training requirements. Many municipalities procure through tenders, which puts pressure on OEMs to offer bundled service plans and local maintenance support.

 

Logistics and warehouse operators are showing increasing interest in multipurpose crane trucks — especially in regions where port or rail infrastructure is stretched. In some fast-growing economies, operators are using truck mounted cranes to offload containers, lift heavy cargo pallets, or reposition modular storage units without needing separate forklifts or gantry cranes. While this remains a niche segment, the growth in e-commerce infrastructure may boost demand in this area.

 

Defense and disaster response teams use ruggedized crane trucks for rapid deployment in field operations — clearing debris, moving equipment, or building temporary shelters. These units tend to be compact, all-terrain, and equipped with autonomous or remote-control features to reduce risk in hostile or unstable environments.

 

Use Case Highlight

A telecom infrastructure provider in Southeast Asia needed to upgrade 3,000 cellular towers across semi-urban zones in just under 18 months. The company faced challenges with equipment transport, crew availability, and site variability — some towers were located in narrow alleys, others on hilly terrain. Instead of using separate crane rentals for each job, the firm purchased a fleet of 15 custom truck mounted cranes with telescopic booms and remote control operation. The units were mounted on lightweight commercial truck chassis, allowing easy access to tight sites and quick repositioning.

The outcome? Installation speed improved by 40%, fuel consumption dropped by 22% compared to diesel crawler cranes, and maintenance calls were cut in half due to simplified hydraulic design. More importantly, the provider finished the rollout three months ahead of schedule — unlocking early revenues from 5G service activation.

Ultimately, end users aren’t just buying machines — they’re buying uptime, predictability, and job site flexibility. The winning crane platforms are those that can flex across multiple industries, environments, and deployment models with minimal friction.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

• Liebherr unveiled a new range of telescopic truck mounted cranes with adaptive load control and eco-mode operation in 2023. These models are designed to balance fuel savings with performance in urban and remote sites alike.

• Palfinger introduced a hybrid-powered knuckle boom crane line in 2024, aimed at European municipalities looking to decarbonize public utility fleets. The cranes are equipped with regenerative braking and battery-assisted lifting.

• XCMG opened a new assembly and service facility in Indonesia in late 2023 to support infrastructure projects under China’s Belt and Road Initiative. The plant focuses on 30– 70 ton truck mounted crane models.

• Manitowoc announced a software upgrade in 2024 for its Crane Control System (CCS), offering enhanced diagnostics, remote troubleshooting, and multilingual operator interfaces.

• Hiab , a subsidiary of Cargotec, launched a fully electric truck crane prototype targeting urban logistics and light industrial use in early 2024. The model is undergoing pilot deployment in Scandinavian cities.

 

Opportunities

• Urban Infrastructure Expansion
  Rapid urbanization across Asia and Africa is fueling demand for compact and agile truck mounted cranes. Mid-size cranes that can navigate narrow streets and reduce permit costs are especially well-positioned.

• Sustainability-Driven Procurement
  Cities and public agencies are increasingly mandating hybrid or low-emission lifting equipment. This opens the door for OEMs with electrified platforms and retrofit solutions.

• Telematics and Fleet Optimization
  As crane fleets grow, operators want visibility into performance, safety, and asset utilization. Crane manufacturers that offer built-in telematics and digital service plans will gain a competitive edge.

 

Restraints

• High Capital Costs and Financing Barriers
  Truck mounted cranes require a significant upfront investment, particularly for specialized or high-capacity units. This limits adoption in small contracting firms and price-sensitive regions.

• Shortage of Skilled Operators
  Many emerging markets face a lack of certified crane operators. This slows project timelines and deters equipment upgrades, especially for models that require high-precision control or telematics use.
   

To be honest, the core demand is there — but access, training, and affordability remain the key choke points. The OEMs that solve for these constraints, not just for lifting capacity, will lead the next phase of market expansion.

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 11.3 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 16.67 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 6.7% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Product Type, Lifting Capacity, End User, Geography
By Product Type	Knuckle Boom, Telescopic Boom, Lattice Boom
By Lifting Capacity	<10 Tons, 10–30 Tons, 30–50 Tons, >50 Tons
By End User	Construction, Utilities, Municipal, Logistics, Defense
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., Canada, Germany, U.K., China, India, Japan, Brazil, UAE, South Africa
Market Drivers	- Growth in Infrastructure Projects - Shift Toward Mobile and Compact Equipment - Telematics Integration and Lifecycle Cost Optimization
Customization Option	Available upon request