In early 2025, Tadano acquired Manitex International, including the company’ s PM knuckleboom crane product line for infrastructure, heavy industry and general construction markets
in several segments, particularly utility, which looks strong, and rental fleets, which are expected to remain robust,” Field said.“ Building supply and housing demand should also lift replacement cycles for aging crane fleets.”
As the complexity of construction and infrastructure projects expands, so does the need for versatile and adaptable equipment, noted
Greg Sneek, product manager – articulating cranes at PALFINGER North America.“ Operators looking for solutions to complex lifting tasks are often turning to knuckleboom cranes,” he said.“ Industries such as tree care, railway and utilities are leading adopters of knuckleboom cranes.”
Left: 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.
Fueling Demand The need for equipment that can operate in confined spaces and handle diverse lifting challenges is fueling demand for knuckleboom cranes in several industries.“ Knuckleboom cranes are also increasingly closing the gap with traditional telescopic cranes by offering the same lifting capabilities with added maneuverability and precision,” Sneek added.“ They are a viable alternative for similar lifting applications,
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