Here’s a crane truck lift that I haven’t done yet – loading a car. This one comes from a recent video published by Misha Charoudin on his YouTube channel. See the lift at timestamp 6:13, https://youtu.be/X6X5qJ3INVQ?si=zW-j6SxpsDl9FMEP&t=373
This video caught my eye since I’ve been interested this application for my crane truck. While my HIAB knuckle boom crane has the lifting capacity and my 16 ft flatbed could hold a car, I’m not currently certified with DOT to carry motor vehicles, nor am I insured for them at the moment.
One key to this lift, with lifting capacity and all things being equal, is the spreader bar they’re using. It allows the rigging straps to fully clear the fenders. And the ability for the spreader to adjust to both wheelbase and width, allows the load to sit just right.
I’ve seen some pricing on these spreaders, and they aren’t cheep. Without a more consistent revenue stream to justify a purchase this size, I’ll continue on with the non-adjustable version that I’ve fashioned in-house for much lighter lifts.
Also interesting is the attachment point on the wheels. I’ve seen it done different ways, but in this case, the webbed straps loop through the spokes on the wheels and around the center hub.
Like the truck pictured here, a low tilt deck would be preferred for car transport. It would keep the center of gravity much lower then my bed and allow easier access to the vehicle while loaded.
I can see the value of loading with a crane in this scenario, rather than using the roll off tilt bed. Since they’re servicing a race track, I’d imagine that many wrecks and breakdowns result in damaged wheels and drive lines. Being able to simply pluck the car from the ground and not having to roll it on would eliminate all variables of a non rolling car. Not to mention the additional damage that comes with forcibly winching a car onto a tilt bed. These race cars are not headed to the junk yard, so limiting additional damage in transport is imperative.
Looking ahead for Up! Up! Lifting, I don’t anticipate getting into vehicle transport. There are plenty of specialized towing and transport businesses out there already. Adding the required DOT certification along the needed insurance would be a burden on the business if I’m not dedicating time and resources to capture that work. It’s still interesting though.
For the time being, please contact us for crane services and heavy lifting in the Asheville area of Western North Carolina.
