- Knuckle Boom Crane Hire Cape Town is for lifts that need to reach up and over obstacles, or into windows and roof openings, from a truck parked on the street.
- The articulated boom folds like a finger, so it can reach over a wall and then down, which a straight boom cannot.
- Compare quotes for knuckle boom crane trucks, with or without a fly jib.
The load, its weight, and how far and how high it must go from where the truck parks.
Get Knuckle Boom Quotes Or call 075 99 777 65What Knuckle Boom Cranes Are Used For
- Roof trusses and sheeting. Lifted straight onto the wall plate.
- Glass and panels. Into upper floors and through openings.
- HVAC units. Onto flat roofs and plant decks.
- Deliveries over walls. Into back yards and courtyards.
- Small construction sites. Precast, steel and blocks where a mobile crane will not fit.
Reading a Knuckle Boom Rating
Knuckle boom cranes are rated in ton-metres (t·m). A fly jib extends the reach but lowers capacity at the tip. Remote control lets the operator stand where they can see the load.
| Rating | Approximate reach | Typical job |
|---|---|---|
| 15 - 30 t·m | 10 - 15 m | Trusses, small aircon units |
| 40 - 80 t·m | 15 - 25 m with jib | Glass, rooftop plant, precast |
| 100 t·m and up | 25 - 30 m or more with jib | Heavy rooftop plant, steel |
Knuckle Boom or Another Crane?
A knuckle boom carries the load on its deck and folds away for travel, like a crane truck. For heavier lifts at longer reach from a straight boom, a truck mounted crane is usually better value.
Knuckle Boom Crane Hire Cape Town Prices
| Crane | Indicative rate (excl. VAT) |
|---|---|
| 15 - 30 t·m | R950 - R1,500 per hour |
| 40 - 80 t·m with jib | R1,400 - R2,400 per hour |
| 100 t·m and up | R2,200 - R3,500 per hour |
| Minimum charge | 3 - 4 hours, including travel |
Indicative ranges, not a quotation. Cape Town 2026 guide prices, excluding VAT. Crane size, travel, site access, hours and crew all move the number. Only a written quote for your lift is binding.
Access on Cape Town Streets
- Steep driveways. Common on the Atlantic Seaboard and slopes of the City Bowl. The truck needs a level spot for its stabilisers.
- Narrow roads. Stabilisers may block the road, so a City road usage permit may be needed.
- Overhead cables. Keep clear distances when the boom unfolds.
For heavier lifts, see Crane Hire Cape Town, or compare operators on Crane Hire Western Cape.
Compare knuckle boom crane quotes.
Get QuotesKnuckle Boom Crane Hire Questions
What is a knuckle boom crane?
A truck-mounted crane with an articulated boom that folds at joints, allowing it to reach over obstacles and down again.
How far can a knuckle boom crane reach?
Small units reach about 10 - 15 m. Large cranes with a fly jib can reach 25 - 30 m or more, at much lower capacity.
Can a knuckle boom lift trusses onto a roof?
Yes. This is one of the most common jobs, often from the street.
How is a knuckle boom different from a telescopic crane?
A knuckle boom folds and can reach over and down. A telescopic boom extends in a straight line and usually lifts more at long reach.
Does a knuckle boom truck carry the load as well?
Yes. Most have a flat deck, so they can deliver and place the load in one trip.
How much does knuckle boom crane hire cost?
Roughly R950 - R3,500 per hour excluding VAT, depending on size, with a three to four hour minimum.
Related Services
Crane Hire Western Cape is a free quote-comparison service. Lifting, rigging, moving and transport work is carried out by the independent crane hire companies that quote you, and your contract is with the company you appoint. Ask each company for a written, itemised quote, the crane's current load test certificate, the operator's competency certificate and proof of insurance before appointing anyone.
Knuckle Boom Crane Hire Cape Town. Describe the job once and compare quotes from local companies.
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