Used Knuckle Boom Trucks & Picker Trucks For Sale

A knuckle boom truck mounts an articulating (multi-jointed) crane on a truck chassis, folding compactly behind the cab when not in use. In the oilfield, these are commonly called picker trucks, used to load and unload pipe, equipment, and tubulars at the wellsite without a separate crane.

What's the difference between a knuckle boom truck and a picker truck?

They're largely the same machine under different names - "knuckle boom truck" describes the crane style (an articulating boom that folds at multiple joints, unlike a straight telescopic boom), while "picker truck" is the term more common in oilfield and pipeline work for a knuckle boom mounted on a bed truck, used to pick up and place pipe, tubulars, and equipment at the wellsite.

What size knuckle boom truck do I need?

Knuckle boom cranes for truck-mount use typically run 50,000 to 250,000+ inch-pounds of lift moment, translating to roughly 2,000 to 10,000+ lbs of capacity at a working radius of 10 to 20 feet depending on the model. Match the crane's rated capacity and reach to your heaviest typical load at the distance you'll actually be placing it, not just the truck's total payload.

What should I check before bidding on a used knuckle boom or picker truck?

Cycle the boom through its full range to check for smooth, even movement at every joint - a knuckle boom has more hydraulic cylinders and pivot pins than a telescopic boom, so there's more to inspect. Look for oil leaks at cylinder seals and pivot pins, check the outriggers for wear and full extension, and ask for load chart documentation confirming rated capacity at your working radius.

We offer multiple ways to buy a knuckle boom or picker truck: live onsite auctions, online auctions, buy now, or make offer.

Looking for a different boom style? See our full boom trucks for sale selection, including telescopic boom and cherry picker trucks.

Need to sell your knuckle boom truck? Find out more about our all-inclusive service.