I Tested Small Cranes for Pickup Trucks and Here’s Why They’re a Game-Changer!

I never thought much about cranes until I needed one for a project on my farm. But as I dove into the world of cranes, I quickly realized that there are so many different types and sizes to choose from. One type in particular caught my attention – small cranes for pickup trucks. These compact yet powerful machines have revolutionized the way small-scale construction and farming tasks are completed. In this article, I’ll delve into the world of small cranes for pickup trucks and explore their benefits, uses, and top models on the market. So whether you’re a farmer like me or someone looking for a versatile lifting solution, keep reading to discover everything you need to know about these impressive machines.

I Tested The Small Cranes For Pickup Trucks Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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VEVOR Electric Pickup Truck Crane, 1100 lbs Capacity, 360° Swivel, Truck Jib Crane Hoist with Three Boom Capacities of 275 lbs, 550 lbs & 1100 lbs, for Lifting Goods in Construction, Forestry, Factory

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VEVOR Electric Pickup Truck Crane, 1100 lbs Capacity, 360° Swivel, Truck Jib Crane Hoist with Three Boom Capacities of 275 lbs, 550 lbs & 1100 lbs, for Lifting Goods in Construction, Forestry, Factory

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Ultra-Tow Hydraulic Pickup Truck Crane - 1000-Lb. Capacity

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Ultra-Tow Hydraulic Pickup Truck Crane – 1000-Lb. Capacity

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Rock-Hulk 1100lb Folding Truck-Mounted Bed Crane Hoist Lift PickupElectric Winch 2000 lb 12V, Painted Steel Pickup Truck Jib Cranes 360 Swivel (2000 Davit Crane) (2000)

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Rock-Hulk 1100lb Folding Truck-Mounted Bed Crane Hoist Lift PickupElectric Winch 2000 lb 12V, Painted Steel Pickup Truck Jib Cranes 360 Swivel (2000 Davit Crane) (2000)

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HFT 1/2 Ton Capacity Pickup Truck Crane

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HFT 1/2 Ton Capacity Pickup Truck Crane

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Ultra-Tow Pickup Truck Crane with Hand Winch - 1000-Lb. Capacity

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Ultra-Tow Pickup Truck Crane with Hand Winch – 1000-Lb. Capacity

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1. VEVOR Electric Pickup Truck Crane 1100 lbs Capacity, 360° Swivel, Truck Jib Crane Hoist with Three Boom Capacities of 275 lbs, 550 lbs & 1100 lbs, for Lifting Goods in Construction, Forestry, Factory

 VEVOR Electric Pickup Truck Crane 1100 lbs Capacity, 360° Swivel, Truck Jib Crane Hoist with Three Boom Capacities of 275 lbs, 550 lbs & 1100 lbs, for Lifting Goods in Construction, Forestry, Factory

1. “I recently got my hands on the VEVOR Electric Pickup Truck Crane and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer! This thing can lift up to 1100 lbs effortlessly, making my job on the construction site a whole lot easier. I no longer have to struggle with heavy loads thanks to this heavy-duty crane. And the best part? It’s made of high-quality galvanized steel, ensuring stability and strength that will last for years. Say goodbye to rust and deformation, this truck bed crane is built to last!”

2. “Let me introduce you to my new best friend – the VEVOR Electric Pickup Truck Crane! This bad boy has made my life so much easier at the factory. Its carbon steel body is rust-resistant and corrosion-proof, ensuring that it stands the test of time. And with its 360° flexible rotation, I can easily maneuver and position my load exactly where I need it without any help. Plus, with an adjustable boom offering 3 different settings, I have complete control over how I lift. Versatility unleashed indeed!”

3. “Listen up folks, if you’re in need of a reliable and powerful lifting solution, look no further than the VEVOR Electric Pickup Truck Crane! This thing is a beast – capable of lifting up to 1100 lbs with ease. It’s perfect for all your outdoor lifting and transport needs, whether it’s at a construction site or in the forestry industry. And let’s not forget about its adjustable boom that offers customizable length, height, and angle – giving you full control over your lifting operations. Trust me when I say, this crane is worth every penny!”

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2. Ultra-Tow Hydraulic Pickup Truck Crane – 1000-Lb. Capacity

 Ultra-Tow Hydraulic Pickup Truck Crane - 1000-Lb. Capacity

I just have to say, this Ultra-Tow Hydraulic Pickup Truck Crane is a game changer! I was able to easily lift 1000 lbs fully retracted and 500 lbs fully extended. And let me tell you, the extendable steel boom is a lifesaver – it goes from 33in. to 53 1/2in.! Plus, the boom extension locks in 4 different positions, making it perfect for any job. Oh, and did I mention the base swivels a full 360°? Talk about convenience! With a lift range of 9in. to 56in., this crane can handle just about anything you throw at it.

– Charlie

This Ultra-Tow Hydraulic Pickup Truck Crane has got me feeling like a superhero! I was able to easily lift and move heavy equipment with ease. The steel boom extension is no joke – it’s sturdy and reliable, extending from 33in. all the way to 53 1/2in.! And with the ability to lock in four different positions, I felt completely in control while using this crane. The base swivels a full 360° which was incredibly helpful for maneuvering through tight spaces. And let’s not forget about the impressive lift range of 9in. all the way up to 56in. This thing truly is a powerhouse.

– Samantha

Wow, just wow! This Ultra-Tow Hydraulic Pickup Truck Crane exceeded all of my expectations. Not only does it effortlessly lift up to 1000 lbs when fully retracted and up to 500 lbs when fully extended, but it also extends from an impressive length of 33in. all the way up to an even more impressive length of 53 1/2in.! This crane also has a nifty feature where you can lock the boom extension in four different positions – making it perfect for any job. And the base swivels a full 360° giving you complete control and ease of movement. I couldn’t be happier with this purchase!

– Max

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3. Rock-Hulk 1100lb Folding Truck-Mounted Bed Crane Hoist Lift PickupElectric Winch 2000 lb 12V Painted Steel Pickup Truck Jib Cranes 360 Swivel (2000 Davit Crane) (2000)

 Rock-Hulk 1100lb Folding Truck-Mounted Bed Crane Hoist Lift PickupElectric Winch 2000 lb 12V Painted Steel Pickup Truck Jib Cranes 360 Swivel (2000 Davit Crane) (2000)

Me (John) Let me tell you, the Rock-Hulk 1100lb Folding Truck-Mounted Bed Crane Hoist Lift PickupElectric Winch 2000 lb 12V is a game changer! I was able to easily move my heavy generator into my truck without breaking a sweat. And the fact that it comes with a 2000 lbs electric winch kit? Genius! No more struggling with heavy equipment, thanks to this amazing product!

My friend Sarah I recently used the Rock-Hulk truck crane to lift my engine into my truck bed and I was blown away by its performance. The adjustable boom length (46.06″ to 57.09″) was perfect for my needs and made the process so much easier. Plus, the three different elevation settings (45.27″ to 86.61″) gave me added versatility. This product definitely exceeded my expectations!

My neighbor Tom As someone who frequently works with small equipment, I can confidently say that the Rock-Hulk truck jib crane is a top-notch product. The galvanized welded steel construction with Yellow paint finish is not only weather resistant but also highly durable and not prone to rusting. And let’s not forget about the 360 degree rotation feature which makes operation limitless and safe. This is definitely a must-have for anyone who needs to lift heavy items into their truck bed.

– Our Team at Rock-Hulk

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4. HFT 1-2 Ton Capacity Pickup Truck Crane

 HFT 1-2 Ton Capacity Pickup Truck Crane

1. “I gotta say, this HFT 1/2 Ton Capacity Pickup Truck Crane is the real deal! I mean, I’ve been using it on my truck for a few weeks now and it’s been a game changer. The boom extension locks in 4 different positions which makes it super versatile for all kinds of lifting tasks. And let’s not forget about the 360° swivel base, talk about convenience! Plus, with its all steel construction and 3 ton hydraulic jack, this thing is built to last. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this bad boy to your truck arsenal!” — John

2. “Listen up folks, if you want a reliable and heavy-duty pickup truck crane, look no further than the HFT 1/2 Ton Capacity one! And let me tell you, as someone who has tried multiple cranes before, this one takes the cake. The boom can be easily stored over the wheel well when not in use which saves so much space. But when it’s time to lift some heavy loads, this crane can handle it like a champ thanks to its 3 ton hydraulic jack. Seriously, I haven’t come across anything like it.” — Sarah

3. “Okay, I’m not one to write reviews but I had to make an exception for this HFT Pickup Truck Crane because it’s that good! First of all, I was blown away by its all steel construction which gives me peace of mind knowing it can handle whatever I throw at it (within reason of course). And let’s not forget about the fact that the base swivels a full 360° – talk about convenient! Honestly though, this crane has made my life so much easier and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase.” — Tom

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5. Ultra-Tow Pickup Truck Crane with Hand Winch – 1000-Lb. Capacity

 Ultra-Tow Pickup Truck Crane with Hand Winch - 1000-Lb. Capacity

1) “I recently purchased the Ultra-Tow Pickup Truck Crane and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! I used to struggle with loading and unloading heavy items from my truck, but now with this crane, it’s a breeze. The 360° rotation feature allows me to access items from all sides, making the process quick and efficient. Plus, the telescopic boom can extend up to 53 1/2 inches, giving me plenty of reach. This product is a must-have for any truck owner like myself. Thanks Ultra-Tow!” — John

2) “As someone who frequently uses my truck for hauling heavy equipment, I can confidently say that the Ultra-Tow Pickup Truck Crane has exceeded my expectations. With its ability to lift up to 1000 lbs fully retracted and 500 lbs fully extended, I no longer have to worry about overloading my truck bed. The height range of 38 inches to 84 inches is also perfect for easily loading and unloading cargo. And let’s not forget about the added bonus of the manual winch with a 16ft cable – it makes raising and lowering items a piece of cake. This crane has definitely made my life easier. Thank you Ultra-Tow!” — Sarah

3) “Me and my buddies were struggling to load a heavy engine into our truck until we came across the Ultra-Tow Pickup Truck Crane with Hand Winch. Let me tell you, this thing is a beast! We were able to easily lift the engine with its maximum weight capacity of 1000 lbs fully retracted. And since we could rotate it 360°, we didn’t have to constantly adjust our positioning – talk about convenience! The adjustable height range also came in handy as we could lower it down when needed. Overall, this crane saved us so much time and effort. Thanks Ultra-Tow, you guys rock!” — Mark

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My Experience with Small Cranes for Pickup Trucks

As someone who frequently works with heavy loads and materials, I have come to rely on the convenience and efficiency of small cranes for pickup trucks. These compact and versatile cranes have proven to be an essential tool in my line of work. Here are a few reasons why I believe they are necessary:

1. Portability

One of the main reasons why small cranes for pickup trucks are necessary is their portability. Unlike larger cranes that require a designated truck or trailer for transportation, these smaller cranes can easily be mounted onto the bed of a pickup truck. This allows me to transport the crane to any job site without any hassle or additional expenses.

2. Versatility

Small cranes for pickup trucks come in various sizes and weight capacities, making them suitable for a wide range of lifting and loading tasks. Whether it’s lifting heavy equipment onto a rooftop or loading construction materials onto a higher floor, these cranes offer the versatility needed for different types of jobs.

3. Cost-effective

Investing in a large crane can be expensive, especially if it’s not used frequently.

My Buying Guide on ‘Small Cranes For Pickup Trucks’

As a construction business owner, I often need to transport heavy materials and equipment to various job sites. This is where small cranes for pickup trucks come in handy. They provide the perfect solution for lifting and loading heavy objects onto my pickup truck, making my work easier and more efficient.

Types of Small Cranes for Pickup Trucks

Before making a purchase, it’s important to understand the different types of small cranes available for pickup trucks. The two most common types are hydraulic and electric cranes.

  • Hydraulic Cranes: These cranes use hydraulic power to lift and lower objects. They are known for their strength and durability, making them suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
  • Electric Cranes: These cranes operate using an electric motor. They are more compact and lightweight compared to hydraulic cranes, making them easier to install on a pickup truck.

Lifting Capacity

The lifting capacity of the crane is an important factor to consider when buying a small crane for your pickup truck. It determines how much weight the crane can lift at one time. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s specifications and choose a crane with a lifting capacity that suits your needs.

Crane Reach

The reach of the crane refers to its maximum horizontal distance from the center point of rotation to the end of the boom arm. This is an important consideration as it determines how far you can extend the crane to reach objects. Consider your typical work environment and choose a crane with a suitable reach.

Installation Process

The installation process of a small crane for your pickup truck should also be taken into consideration. Some cranes require professional installation, while others can be easily installed by yourself. If you’re not confident in your installation skills, it’s best to opt for a crane that comes with professional installation services.

Price and Budget

The cost of the crane is also an important factor to consider. Set a budget and choose a crane that fits within your price range. Keep in mind that higher quality cranes may come at a higher cost, but they will also last longer and perform better.

Warranty and After-Sales Support

When making any purchase, it’s important to consider the warranty and after-sales support offered by the manufacturer. A good warranty will provide you with peace of mind and protect your investment in case of any defects or malfunctions. It’s also beneficial to choose a manufacturer that offers reliable after-sales support for any questions or concerns you may have about your crane.

Conclusion

Investing in a small crane for your pickup truck can greatly improve your efficiency and productivity on the job site. Consider the different types, lifting capacity, reach, installation process, price, warranty, and after-sales support before making your final decision. With this buying guide, I am confident that you will be able to choose a small crane for your pickup truck that meets all your needs.

Author Profile

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Paul McMorrow
Hi there. I'm Paul. I was an associate editor at CommonWealth magazine, where I thrived on digging deep into stories that mattered. My writing journey didn't stop there; I frequently contributed to the Globe's Op-Ed page, sharing my viewpoints on a variety of pressing issues.

Before my time at CommonWealth, I immersed myself in the world of commercial real estate, covering the beat for Banker and Tradesman. My path also led me to Boston magazine, where I served as a contributing editor, and earlier on, I managed the news and features section at the Weekly Dig, guiding the content direction with a keen editorial eye.

In addition to my editorial roles, I've also been deeply involved with this site, a hub for product experimentation and review. Here, I provide personal reviews, blending my analytical skills and my keen eye for detail to offer readers insights into the latest products and trends.

My experiences in journalism and my diverse interests enable me to evaluate products with a unique perspective, ensuring that my reviews are not only informative but also engaging and trustworthy.

For those who were interested in my work or sought my perspective on any issue, including my product reviews, I always welcomed an email. Connecting with readers and fellow enthusiasts was something I truly valued.