Crane vs. boom truck vs. telehandler: which one do you need?

Choose a telehandler for moving and placing materials at modest height close to the machine, a boom truck for lighter lifts that need a crane's hoist line and placement but not a big crane, and a mobile crane when the load is heavier, higher or farther away than a boom truck can handle at that radius. If you are unsure, describe the lift and the operator will recommend the machine.

Casper Crane Connect is an independent referral service, not a crane company. We pass your request to local operators, who quote and perform the work themselves.

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Quick comparison

Telehandler (telescopic forklift): lifts on forks or attachments, travels with the load on a jobsite, and suits pallets, bundles and materials to a roof edge or upper floor. Placement is limited to where the boom tip can reach, and it is not built for hanging loads in the way a crane is unless fitted with a manufacturer-approved attachment.
Boom truck: a crane mounted on a commercial truck chassis, often with a flatbed to carry materials. It sets up quickly and suits trusses, roofing materials, signs, light HVAC units and deliveries that need lifting. See boom truck rental in Casper.
Mobile crane: truck-mounted, all-terrain or rough terrain cranes with greater capacity and reach. They suit rooftop units, steel, tanks, precast and heavy equipment. See mobile cranes and rough terrain cranes.

Questions that decide it

How heavy is the heaviest piece, including rigging?
How far from the machine does it land, and how high?
Does it need to hang and be set precisely (a hoist line), or can it ride on forks?
Is the site paved, graded or rough, and is there room for outriggers?
Is it one lift, a few, or all-day material handling?

Operated or bare rental

Cranes and boom trucks for short jobs are usually rented with an operator. Telehandlers are often rented bare, and your company provides a trained operator. Crane operators on construction work must be certified or qualified under federal rules, which is one reason operated crane rentals are common.

Still deciding? Read how crane size is chosen, then send the details through the request form.

Ready to price your lift? Request a free crane quote and a local operator will follow up directly.

Common questions

Is a boom truck cheaper than a crane?

Often, for jobs within its capacity, because it is a smaller machine and sets up quickly. But if the boom truck cannot handle the load at your radius, a crane is required. The operator will tell you which fits.

Can a telehandler lift trusses?

Some truss and material jobs are done with telehandlers, depending on the truss size, the height and the attachments approved by the manufacturer. Longer spans and higher walls are often set with a boom truck or crane.

Can I request a telehandler through this site?

Our focus is crane and boom truck requests. If your job might fit a telehandler, describe it, and the operator can say whether a crane or boom truck is the better fit.

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