What Jobs Can a Knuckleboom Truck Handle?

A knuckleboom truck is a multi-functional piece of heavy-duty equipment. This is a truck with an articulated boom attached to the base behind the cab that resembles a human finger. The end of the boom can be modified to perform various tasks. These vehicles can perform many different jobs, depending on the attachment that is used: excavation, drilling holes, lifting, hauling and transferring of material, and forestry work.

Excavation - These trucks can do the work of a typical modern excavator. They can be configured to perform the job by attaching a general purpose bucket that can dig and break through the ground. Knuckleboom truck excavators are commonly used along with a pay loader and bulldozer. Regardless of the location, this equipment can be set up for a particular purpose to get work done that is usually performed by a back hoe and this work can be accomplished with efficiency and increased productivity.
Hole Drilling - To accomplish multiple tasks, these vehicles can also be modified into powerful machines that can drill holes. An auger drill can be attached at the end of the boom to perform the tasks of a typical digger derrick. When this equipment is configured into a digger derrick, it can rapidly bore holes and then relocate from one location to another, enhancing productivity and work efficiency.
Lifting, Hauling and Transferring of Material - Another important task of this type of vehicle is its capacity to lift, haul and transfer heavy material using the appropriate configuration. Modern technological advancement shows that this type of vehicle can load and unload heavy material on and off a transport vehicle and act like a standard crane. The versatility and efficiency of this monster machine is so advanced because of its increased payload, precise control, lower profile and ability to reach great distances. It is equipped with outriggers to maintain balance while lifting, hauling and transferring loads from one place to another.
Forestry Work - In the forest industry, this truck is used in the harvesting and cutting of trees into different lengths and sizes. For forest operations, it can also do tree felling, the removal of tree branches and bucking of trees. Examples of these types of vehicles that are used in forestry are the harvester and forwarder. The end of the knuckleboom arm can be attached with a hydraulically powered chain-saw to cut trees It can also be set up with two-feed rollers and curved de-limbing knives to cut branches.

The task of a knuckleboom truck hardly ever remains the same from one day to another. Modern technological advancement and increasing global demand has significantly expanded the scope of its capacity to perform different tasks. This truck is not just utilized in one particular area but is also used for other various tasks, thus making it a multi-functional machine. Knuckleboom trucks actually mimic the working capacity of a crane, digger derrick, cherry picker, harvester and grapple truck.

However the parts or attachments are arranged, the two attributes that are of the greatest importance when it comes to performance are increased productivity and efficiency, which is exactly what a knuckleboom truck offers!

Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. To find out more about Knuckleboom Trucks, go to the main website at: http://www.centraltrucksales.net/home.

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Knuckleboom Trucks - Important Control System Information!

Knuckleboom trucks versatility and efficiency have made such pieces of equipment popular in the commercial vehicle market especially when compared to the traditional stiff-boom types. Also, when compared to the stiff-boom versions, knuckleboom trucks are much lighter yet function very efficiently in loading and unloading heavy material from one location to another.

The astonishing proficiency of these trucks is entirely the result of its articulating boom. This arm can be folded down to a small size when not in use, making it very practical on small and narrow residential streets as well as allowing more space for payloads. The boom's capability to extend and reach longer distances provides the advantage of more versatility and control.

Managing the boom is very important in accomplishing any tasks with this vehicle which is why it is also the key factor of how customers make a determination of a particular truck model and any attachments. There are three types of handling systems from which to select: stand-up, ground, and radio remote-controlled versions.

Stand up - The stand-up control station is usually located at the base of the boom arm. The most common handling feature of this version is the dual stations, where joystick-like handling devices are set up on both sides of the boom arm, offering identical functionality and easy access for the operator.
Ground - The ground control is also commonly known as the control box while others called it a hook. An operator can temporarily sit on the ground to guide the arm to load and unload material. For safety purposes, the operator needs to be careful not to leave the hook on the ground once the task is completed or temporarily halted.
Radio Remote - This particular control system can start and run the knuckleboom arm remotely. It consists of two mechanisms: a portable transmitter and a receiver installed with the truck's operation system. The portable transmitter, which is carried by the operator, uses radio frequencies to communicate with the receiver. This radio-controlled remote device also allows the operator to get immediate overload readouts when attached to an onboard computer system.

With the advancement of control systems for knuckleboom trucks, there has been a proportionate improvement in safety concerns. Below are safety features that are offered by each of the above-mentioned systems.

A top model remote system has a range of up to 400 feet. This allows the operator to be an adequate safety distance from the load and still have precise guidance over the boom arm. The operator can be positioned in an ideal location where the load can be observed and handled.
A ground control setup allows the operator to stand in a safe location that is not underneath the boom arm.
The dual control feature of a stand-up system gives the operator the ability to operate the boom arm on the either the left or right side of the truck. Handling devices are identically configured so operators cannot be confused as to which joystick is handling a particular operation.
A remote control when connected to a computer system can detect overloads and can actually shut down the operation in an emergency for safety reasons to protect both the operator and the equipment from any hazard that could happen due to continued operation of the boom with an overload.

The handling systems of knuckleboom trucks are an important accessory for one of these vehicles. Getting the best features for one of these vehicles certainly enhances capability and performance as well as providing an answer to any safety concerns. Know the control system of the truck being used and feel a real sense of safety security!

Christopher M. Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. To find out more about Knuckleboom Trucks, go to the main website at: http://www.centraltrucksales.net/home.

View the original article here