A pick-up truck lift is a mechanically powered gantry crane which consists of a mast rotating on the base and an extension arm situated on the top of the mast. Gantry cranes are mounted on trailers or directly on vehicles. These cranes are included into mobile cranes and are subject to the Bureau of Technical Inspection (Urząd Dozoru Technicznego).
The cranes are divided into the following types:
general purpose cranes which are rigidly mounted to the vehicle
• timber cranes which are sometimes referred to as „forest cranes”
• cranes mounted on vehicles behind the driver’s cab
• cranes mounted on the back of the vehicle with a loading box
• cranes mounted on the centre of the loading part of vehicles
• cranes mounted on the trailers
• cranes mounted on the tractors
Each crane consists of:
• set of stabilizers – the task of stabilizers is to stabilize the crane and prevent it against accidents
the base – the element on which the mast is placed
• the mast – the extension arm is mounted on the mast, it enables to make horizontal movements – the rotation of the extension arm
the extension arm – constructional element which is pulled out hydraulically or by hand which changes the length of the overhanging capacity
equipment – slings, ropes and hooks for securing loads
In order to operate this device the operator has to undergo a pick-up truck crane training and obtain the licence by passing the exam before the commission of the Bureau of Technical Inspection (Urząd Dozoru Technicznego). The person without the pick-up truck crane licence is not authorized to operate such devices. The training course for pick-up truck lifts consists of theoretical and practical parts, thanks to which the participant learns how to operate the device properly.
