Swedish company Hiab is a name synonymous with knuckle boom loader cranes. It has been making them since 1944. One of its most recent products is the Hiab iQ.708 Hipro, which it launched around 12 months ago. Its V12- Power boom is claimed to offer outstanding power-to-weight ratio; the compact design leaves more space for payload and, another advantage, its size means it can be installed to a wider range of trucks.
It has 39 metre vertical reach, 35m horizontal reach, 25m up-and-over capability (using the crane’s vertical extension and horizontal jib), and a lifting capacity in the 60-70Tm range. The iQ.708 is equipped with Hiab’s SPACEevo control system.
This, Hiab says, delivers intuitive controls, advanced sensor-based safety systems, and optimised energy use. It is an open modular platform which means that system is futureproof, enabling updates and upgrades. And it would seem to be a sign of things to come…
SMART COLLABORATION
Smart technology is becoming as important to the knuckle boom as to other cranes (and, indeed, to almost every other area of life) and Hiab is well aware of this.
For which reason it announced, in September, a new partnership with Forterra, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology.
‘This collaboration allows us to explore new frontiers in workflow automation and coordinated vehicle operations,’ says Hiab, ‘effectively bringing autonomy deeper into the entire logistics workflow.’ In other words, it is about the automation of traditionally human-controlled systems like knuckle boom cranes and hooklifts.
‘The core proposals being investigated and developed centre on combining Hiab’s strengths in robotics and AI with Forterra’s advanced AutoDrive platform to elevate autonomous capabilities for both the truck and the load handling equipment,’ Hiab explains. ‘This joint development leverages solutions to enhance safety, improve efficiency, and enable personnel to transition to higher-value tasks. This partnership marks a significant step in extending autonomy across the entire logistics ecosystem.
‘Features like remote control and semi-automatic functions are increasingly common,’ Hiab continues. And, as we have often seen, semi-automation is the precursor to going fully-automatic. ‘HiPro is the most advanced model platform control system within the Hiab loader crane range of products and HiDuo is the best price-performance remote control system. The Semi-Automatic Folding [SAF] option available for the HiDuo and HiPro controlled cranes is operated via remote control. It helps open and close the crane to its desired position at a faster pace than having to do all the operation manually and also reduces the risk of damage or accidentally not doing it well.’
Knuckle booms come with many extensions – as many as nine in some cases – or with fewer. Which ones generally are most in demand? ‘At Hiab, we see demand across the spectrum,’ the company states, ‘but customer preference for multiple versus fewer extensions is highly dependent on the specific application and their operational environment.’
Hiab is optimistic about the current loader crane market: ‘We are operating in an attractive market with great long-term growth prospects and, despite recent global market uncertainty, we continue to invest in growth and prioritise our strategic focus areas in key segments, notably North America. As with other global players our business has felt the impact of market uncertainty caused by increased trade tensions especially in the US market. Orders received, however, remained stable in this uncertain market environment. Our Q3 orders grew in EMEA as well as in APAC.
‘In 2026 we will continue to execute on our 2024-2028 strategy and focus on growth opportunities.
We aim at profitable growth by focusing on essential industries like construction, waste and recycling, defence logistics, retail and final mile. Growing our North American and services business will contribute to our future growth.’
Palfinger is another giant in the knuckle boom loader crane sector. In April this year, at Bauma 2025 in Munich, Germany, it launched its latest innovation: the PK 880 TEC.
Available to order now, the first units will be delivered early next year. “The crane is ideal for tight construction sites,” says Stefan Oberleitner, Palfinger’s product line leader for loader cranes. “In part that is because it is optimised for weight; in part also because of its advanced engineering and intelligent features.”
DIGITAL DEVELOPMENTS
Here Palfinger, like Hiab, is taking note of customer demand for smart features. One of the things that sets the TEC range apart, says Oberleitner, is state-of-theart technology. “Key assistance systems like the Slewing Lock limit crane movement in restricted areas. The Memory Position function allows faster, more accurate, repeat lifts by storing up to four positions. And with the Levelling Assistant the PK 880 TEC can reduce setup and stabilisation time by up to 80 percent.”
Precision is another byproduct of digital technology and control. Recognising this Palfinger has introduced new installation tips for its P-profile knuckle booms. They are designed for heavy-duty loader cranes with a maximum load capacity of 20 tonnes. The anchor point and hook is offset upwards from the extension arm. This offset gains crucial centimetres; with it loads can be manoeuvred through openings and narrow passages that would otherwise be impossible.
Another innovation along the same lines is Palfinger’s tiltable crane fork: PZP TILT. It enables palletised or non-palletised materials to be placed with precision through façade openings or onto upper levels, so significantly improving productivity on challenging construction sites.
Again, software is key: the device is fully integrated into the crane’s overload protection system via the company’s MTCF (Monitor Tiltable Crane Fork) software; operators receive real-time monitoring and visual feedback via remote control.
This ensures each movement stays within safe operating parameters.
The result, says Palfinger, is faster work processes, safer crane operation, and maximum precision.
Customer demand, says Oberleitner, is shaped by two key drivers: technological innovation and real-world application needs. “Lifting capacity and outreach remain essential performance indicators but the true priority lies in delivering tailored solutions that address the specific use case.
“Sometimes that means maximising outreach for precision tasks in confined spaces. In other cases it’s all about raw lifting power or optimised setup speed.
So our product development is flexible by design: we aim to match each customer’s operational priorities, whether that’s in urban logistics, construction, forestry, or infrastructure.”
That need for adaptability applies both globally and regionally. “Operational environments and expectations can differ significantly between markets,” Oberleitner says. “That’s why we align our portfolio to reflect these diverse demands.
“Our cranes are not only high-performing and efficient but also future-ready and precisely engineered for their intended application.”
Asked whether multiple extension loader cranes greatly in demand or whether many customers are content with fewer extensions giving smaller reach but saving on size and complexity, he says this: “There is no one-sizefits- all answer to this question, it truly depends. Customer requirements differ significantly depending on the application. We do see strong demand for loader cranes with multiple extensions in certain sectors; other customers, though, prioritise more compact configurations to maximise payload, reduce complexity, or operate in tight spaces.
“The key is finding the optimal balance: delivering the reach and lifting performance required while keeping system complexity manageable. Increasingly, this balance is achieved not only through mechanical design but also through the integration of electronics and software.
“It is a shift from purely structural engineering toward intelligent, user-friendly systems.
That is what allows us to deliver tailored solutions that match each operational requirement with the right system package. In short: we build what our customers need, not just what’s technically possible.
“The industry is moving towards increased automation and smart assistant features. Those together give a focus on safety, efficiency, and ease of use, and we aim to make these benefits available across our full portfolio.”
Mechanical and smart features, he says, go hand in hand: “We are building a bridge between the physical product and the digital world. A wide range of Palfinger solutions already come equipped with telematics hardware ex works. With our digital platform Palfinger Connected customers can easily monitor their entire Palfinger fleet, gaining real-time insights, increasing efficiency and uptime, and turning data into action.
“Another example is the Levelling Assistant. It reduces the time required for stabiliser setup by up to 80%, minimising the risk of manual errors. Similarly, the new Support Force Limit function enhances safety and efficiency by allowing operators to focus on the lift – rather than constantly monitoring the environment they are operating in.”
Oberleitner also mentions the new Height & Bound feature, which confines the workable space helping to prevent the risk of damage or downtime. “This gives operators the confidence to work comfortably and safely. It lowers the operators’ workload by allowing them to fully focus on their lifting tasks.”
MARKET VARIATIONS
Palfinger operates at a global level and, as such, it observes global variations in the marketplace. “Each region has its own market rhythm,” says Oberleitner, “which is precisely why our global presence, paired with deep local expertise, is so crucial. In Europe, we’re currently observing a steady recovery in construction which is contributing to a more positive market sentiment. At the same time, our strategic focus on growth regions such as North America and Asia- Pacific enables us to unlock further potential in dynamic markets.
“At Palfinger we serve customers worldwide with solutions tailored to a broad range of applications. Because we support a wide variety of sectors beyond construction, like urban logistics, landscaping, and the maritime industry, we remain less vulnerable to individual market shifts. Our diversification, both in terms of industries and regions, is the cornerstone of our resilience.
“While the construction sector undoubtedly plays a key role in shaping the loader crane market our well-balanced footprint allows us to effectively absorb regional and industry-specific fluctuations.”
Danish manufacturer HMF launched its HMF 6120K at the end of August. “It delivers what operators truly need,” says CEO Mikkel Winther Andersen, “more reach, less weight, and the strength that we are known for.”
It has been developed, he says, using insights from HMF’s strongest-performing models and, most importantly, direct feedback from the people who matter most: the customers. He describes it as a next-generation crane. It offers a lifting moment of up to 52.8 tm and a reach of up to 21.3m which, with a fly-jib, is extendable to 31.4m. Surface treatment is to corrosion class C4 for high durability. The crane can be configured with a winch and man-basket, and the heavy-duty hook on the knuckle boom lifts up to 16 tonnes.
STABILITY SOFTWARE
Here, too, the software counts: a dynamic vehicle stability system monitors the stability of the vehicle in all working areas during crane operation. It so easy to operate, says HMF, that most often the operator will not notice it is active unless they are in a situation that might become critical.
The system monitors the load on the vehicle and on the crane, the speed, and the heel of the vehicle; it warns before criticality occurs, and automatically limits inappropriate movements and stops them at the designated limit.
The crane is also fitted with HMF’s HIP [High Inclination Protection] which improves crane stability on steep terrain by automatically adjusting lifting capacity based on truck inclination.
The system is designed to ensure safe and controlled operation up to 12 degrees of slope. Radio remote control operates through a 4.3’’ smart colour display and eight programmable ‘hot keys’.
Fassi is another key player in the knuckle boom loader crane market. The Italian group has performed a corporate rebranding to strengthen the unity between its elements. This includes a better website and a new logo.
Fassi also has a new crane to carry that new logo. In November it introduced the F1750R.2.9. HXP Techno; it is an evolution of its successful F1750R.2 HXP but now with nine hydraulic boom extensions rather than its predecessor’s eight. The nine extensions can give an outreach of 21.60m, and up to 33.30m with the L626 jib, and can do so without any increase in installation dimensions of the crane over the eight-extension version.
The achievement, Fassi says, is the result of a detailed study of space and the use of new structural components. The end result is compact and powerful and, once again, software is at the forefront of developments.
The system-control software automatically manages load and stability parameters to give constant performance even at higher geometric outreach, as well as what Fassi describes as ‘unprecedented fluidity of motion’.
The latest version has inherited the features of the rest of the Techno range, first and foremost with the FX990 system-control software, Fassi’s most developed yet. A ‘digital brain’ coordinates every movement, serving as a management unit that handles dynamic load control and stability management; dual-Ethernet network connectivity delivers increased processing power. The system allows the crane to adapt to working conditions in real time.
This, Fassi says, improves the stability, safety, and precision of every single movement.
A distinctive feature of the Techno range is the decagonal X-Design profile of the boom extensions. According to Fassi the shape allows an improved distribution of forces between the guide and the crossbeam reducing structural weight and increasing performance by up to 57% compared to traditional hexagonal profiles. It also allows access to the guides without dismantling the booms, which simplifies maintenance and reduces the length and cost of downtime.
The F1750R.2.9 HXP Techno can be combined with the L626 hydraulic jib, designed to be used with a winch and semi-permanent pulleys. The system allows for full folding away with the cable installed, reducing set-up time and simplifying use.
Fassi is not the only loadercrane maker to have a corporate makeover. Alphen aan den Rijn, The Netherlands-headquartered crane manufacturer Hyva was acquired by German investment group Mutares in August. It is remaining publicly silent about their post-acquisition plans until details are finalised.
And Italian loader crane manufacturer PM was acquired by Tadano in January 2025.
The acquisition of PM took place as part of Tadano’s broader acquisition of Manitex International. Through the transaction Tadano brought three Italian companies into its fold: PM, aerial platform maker Oil & Steel, and mini-crane specialist Valla. All three are now fully within the Tadano Group, significantly expanding its lifting equipment portfolio.
This move, says Tadano, aligns precisely with the company’s midterm management plan, the goals of which are: to diversify within the lifting sector; strengthen the global offering; and reduce market cyclicality. The Manitex acquisition, including PM’s cranes, supports this strategy in several ways.
‘By combining engineering, sales, and service expertise across Tadano and the former Manitex brands Tadano is better positioned to support customers’ lifting needs worldwide and accelerate innovation in multiple product categories,’ says a spokesperson.
The acquisition will complement its existing product lines. Tadano has long produced straight-boom truck loader cranes in Japan, where it maintains more than 50% domestic market share, and has strong sales of the type in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. However, markets such as Europe and the Americas predominantly rely on knuckle boom cranes. And in Asia and the Middle East, both straight boom and knuckle boom crane types already coexist. Customer preferences vary depending on application and sector.
‘By integrating PM’s knuckle boom range Tadano can now offer both straight-boom and knuckle boom types, enabling it to serve the full spectrum of global customer preferences and to expand into previously underserved markets,’ the company says. It also provides more application specific solutions across industries.
‘This combination strengthens Tadano’s overall competitiveness and delivers a more complete lifting solution portfolio. PM’s knuckle boom line-up fits naturally alongside Tadano’s established straight-boom presence.
‘Leveraging Tadano’s strong service and sales networks the combined offering allows Tadano to address a wider range of customer needs throughout these growth regions.’
While PM is headquartered in Italy, and has a strong European footprint, the acquisition’s intent is not merely to increase Tadano’s focus on Europe: it is global.
PM is also well-established in Latin America and Tadano is committed to expanding the PM product range into regions where Tadano already has strong market presence, including North America, Australia, Asia, and the Middle East.
PM’s Italian factory will remain a central manufacturing base. Tadano plans to expand production capacity as global demand increases, strengthen cost competitiveness through joint purchasing, and integrate parts commonality with other Tadano facilities – such as in Germany – to create efficiencies and an interconnected production ecosystem across the group.
The current intention, therefore, is for PM’s manufacturing operations to remain in Italy – where the company has strong expertise and long-established production capabilities. Whether this will be the case long-term is unknown: ‘While we continuously review our global manufacturing strategy as part of long-term planning there are no further details we can share at this stage.’
Whether the PM brand continues under its existing name or is rebranded as Tadano is another unknown: ‘Tadano plans to integrate PM under the Tadano brand over time. However, PM has strong regional brand recognition in several markets. Tadano is considering retaining or leveraging the PM name where it creates commercial advantage. The final branding strategy will reflect both global consistency and regional strengths.’
Loader cranes are a specialised sector, and sales and dealership companies require expertise in crane-to-truck mounting, specialised after-sales service, and local engineering and certification processes. How will PM’s loader cranes be positioned within Tadano’s global network? ‘Tadano will assess the readiness of each sales company and dealer, within their existing sales and dealer network, then construct the optimal global network to ensure professional installation, service, and longterm customer support,’ its spokesperson says.
Tadano expects PM customers see positive changes: ‘Product quality, service consistency, parts availability, overall lifecycle support – all of these will be enhanced.
PM leadership remains unchanged. Giovanni Tacconi continues to serve as CEO of PM Oil & Steel. PM will contribute advanced knuckle boom machining and structural design capabilities, while Tadano brings cutting-edge control systems, safety technologies, telematics, and global service expertise.
“Integrating these capabilities will support the development of more advanced, efficient, and technologically-sophisticated loader cranes,” it says. “We expect to leverage the combined technological strengths described above to develop next-generation lifting solutions.”
PM’s most recent most recent knuckle boom crane, introduced before the acquisition, is the PM 130SP – a super-heavy 92.6 tonne-metre machine designed for exceptional reach (36.45m), with nine crane extensions, seven jib extensions, and up to 9.6m stabiliser extension. Reception, it says, has been very favorable.
Tadano sees the loader crane market as stable in Europe and North America and growing in Asia, the Middle East, and South America. It expects to significantly expand sales volume by leveraging Tadano’s global sales network and PM’s strong product range.
So the future for knuckle booms appears to be: worldwide – penetrating less saturated markets; flexible – with models, reaches and capacities for a wide range of applications; and highly digital – with advanced software enhancing safety and usability. Ownerships and partnerships might change but the machines themselves will continue to be as useful as ever.
