Crane Spotlight
By Seth Skydel
Precision and Strength
The unmatched versatility of knuckleboom cranes is driving market growth
Mounted on a Mack MD7 chassis, the Tadano Manitex PM15.5 knuckleboom crane with up to three available hydraulic extensions has a maximum outreach of 47 feet 3 inches horizontally and 58 feet 1 inch vertically.
PALFINGER knuckleboom crane innovations include smart controls, such as stabilizer force limitation systems, and intelligent boundary systems that allow operators to define safe working ranges.
For manufacturers of knuckleboom cranes, the outlook is clear. These highly versatile machines are in greater demand. That’ s because their optimal outreach, lifting capacity and precision is driving growth in a range of applications.
“ The knuckleboom market is poised for steady growth in 2026, driven by infrastructure, utilities, marine and energy projects,” said Tony Hampton, director of sales, PM at Tadano Manitex.“ Demand will be strongest in metropolitan areas like Northern Virginia, Atlanta and Dallas – Fort Worth, where data center and power infrastructure work is booming.”
At Iowa Mold Tooling Co.( IMT), John Field, sr. sales manager, anticipates a flatter first half of 2026 for knuckleboom sales
January 2026 • www. cranehotline. com