30+ ton Boom Truck
The 30+ ton boom truck represents the heaviest class of truck-mounted hydraulic cranes, combining lifting capacities from 28 to nearly 150 tons with the mobility of a highway-legal chassis. This size class handles structural steel erection, industrial tank setting, and other heavy lifts where a full lattice-boom crawler or rough-terrain crane would represent overkill in cost and setup time. These machines bridge the gap between mid-range boom trucks and dedicated mobile cranes.

Cat classes
Pick a size class — capacity and reach differ across the range.
Key specifications
| Specification | Typical range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Lifting capacity | 28–150 tons | Main hook capacity determines maximum load weight at minimum radius; capacity decreases significantly as boom extends or angle lowers. |
| Max reach | 5–78 feet | Maximum horizontal reach from centerline of rotation; actual lift capacity at full extension is a small fraction of rated capacity. |
| Boom configuration | Telescoping hydraulic, 3–6 sections | Hydraulic extension offers faster setup than lattice boom; section count and material affect reach and weight. |
| Carrier class | Heavy-duty commercial chassis or purpose-built | Largest models may use purpose-built carriers; highway permitting and weight distribution govern road travel. |
How to choose
The 30+ ton boom truck is the correct choice when lifting structural steel members, positioning industrial tanks, or handling precast concrete elements that exceed the 15–30 ton class but do not require the ground preparation, assembly time, or cost of a full mobile crane. Steel erection on industrial buildings, HVAC unit placement on multi-story structures, and heavy equipment setting in active facilities are typical applications. When lifts consistently fall below 30 tons or involve shorter reaches, the 15-30 ton Boom Truck offers lower operating cost and simpler permitting. For loads approaching or exceeding 100 tons, jobs requiring frequent repositioning under load, or projects with extensive ground-bearing concerns, a dedicated lattice-boom mobile crane becomes the appropriate choice despite higher mobilization cost.
What this size handles
- Erecting structural steel frames for industrial buildings and warehouses
- Setting large HVAC units and mechanical equipment on commercial rooftops
- Positioning storage tanks and pressure vessels at refineries and chemical plants
- Installing precast concrete beams and wall panels on mid-rise construction
- Lifting heavy transformers and electrical switchgear at substations
- Placing large generators and emergency power equipment in active facilities
Safety & operation
- Load charts are configuration-specific; outrigger extension, boom angle, and radius must be verified before every lift to prevent tip-over
- Outrigger pad size and ground-bearing capacity are critical; inadequate ground preparation causes the majority of boom-truck incidents in this weight class
- Overhead power line clearance and swing radius must account for full boom length and load; electrocution remains a leading hazard
- Operator certification under NCCCO or equivalent standards is standard practice and required on most commercial and industrial sites
Transport & logistics
- Self-propelled on highways with overweight and oversize permits depending on configured weight and boom storage position
- Some models require pilot cars or specific routing to comply with state axle-weight and bridge-formula regulations
- Outrigger boxes and counterweights may require separate transport on heavy-duty lowboy trailers for the largest configurations
Power & supply
- Diesel engine powers both carrier propulsion and hydraulic systems for boom operation and outrigger deployment
- PTO-driven hydraulic pumps operate boom telescoping, swing, and winch functions from the carrier engine
- No external electrical supply required; all functions self-contained within the truck chassis and hydraulic system
Frequently asked
What distinguishes a 30+ ton boom truck from a similarly rated rough-terrain crane?
How does lifting capacity change with boom extension on these machines?
Do 30+ ton boom trucks require special operator certification?
Compare popular models
Find by spec →Normalised to the same units. A dash means the figure was not published.
| Model | Lifting capacity | Max reach |
|---|---|---|
| Grove TMS500-2- 102ft Boom | 79,366 lb (36 t) | 32 ft (9.8 m) |
| Grove TMS500-2- 95ft Boom | 79,366 lb (36 t) | 29 ft (8.8 m) |
| Grove TMS700E | 99,208 lb (45 t) | 36 ft (11.0 m) |
| Grove TMS800-2 | 160,937 lb (73 t) | 40 ft (12.2 m) |
| Grove TMS800E | 160,937 lb (73 t) | 41 ft (12.5 m) |
| Grove TMS875-2 | 149,914 lb (68 t) | 40 ft (12.2 m) |
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Sources
Every specification is verified against the manufacturer's published data, with the source linked for reference.
30+ ton Boom Truck
113 models · Page 2 of 3 · Every spec cited to source