If you’re in the market for a truck-mounted crane, Tiger Cranes should be near the top of your list. Known for rugged construction, impressive lift capacities, and reliable performance in demanding work environments, Tiger Cranes have become a go-to choice for contractors, oilfield operators, utility companies, and fleet managers across Texas and Louisiana.
At Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX, we supply and install Tiger Cranes on a wide range of work trucks — from Ford Super Duty and Ram chassis cabs to heavy-duty medium-duty platforms. Here’s a complete overview of what Tiger Cranes offer and how to determine the right model for your application.
What Are Tiger Cranes?
Tiger Cranes are telescopic truck-mounted cranes designed for professional service vehicles. Unlike traditional knuckle-boom cranes or fixed boom options, Tiger’s telescoping designs offer extended reach with compact storage profiles — ideal for trucks that need to navigate job sites, tight loading docks, and urban work zones.
Tiger Cranes mount directly to the truck frame and integrate seamlessly with STI service bodies, crane body platforms, and custom upfit packages. Whether you’re lifting pipe on an oilfield lease, moving equipment on a construction site, or supporting utility maintenance operations, Tiger has a model built for the job.
Tiger Crane Models and Lifting Capacities
Tiger offers a range of crane models calibrated for different truck platforms and job requirements. Here’s a general breakdown of their popular series:
Light-Duty Series (TC-Series, ~3,000–6,000 lb capacity)
The entry-level TC Series is designed for 3/4-ton and 1-ton trucks such as the Ford F-350 or Ram 3500. These cranes are popular with HVAC contractors, plumbers, electricians, and service technicians who need occasional lifting capability without a full-size crane footprint.
- Lift capacity: Up to 6,000 lbs at minimum reach
- Boom reach: 10–18 ft extended
- Best for: Service vans, 1-ton trucks, light fleet vehicles
Mid-Range Series (~6,000–12,000 lb capacity)
The mid-range Tiger models are suited for Ford F-450, F-550, and Ram 4500/5500 chassis cabs. These are the sweet spot for most Texas and Louisiana contractors doing general construction, oilfield service, and municipal utility work.
- Lift capacity: Up to 12,000 lbs at minimum reach
- Boom reach: 16–24 ft extended
- Best for: Medium-duty trucks, contractor fleets, oilfield service rigs
Heavy-Duty Series (~15,000+ lb capacity)
For serious heavy lifting, Tiger’s HD line delivers the kind of capacity that used to require dedicated crane trucks. These larger units pair well with class 5–7 truck platforms and are commonly found on utility service rigs and oilfield maintenance fleets.
- Lift capacity: 15,000–20,000+ lbs at minimum reach
- Boom reach: Up to 30+ ft extended
- Best for: Heavy-duty medium-duty trucks, utility rigs, oilfield crane trucks
Tiger Crane Installation: What the Process Looks Like
Installing a Tiger Crane isn’t a drop-in upgrade — it requires proper planning, frame preparation, and integration with your truck’s hydraulic or PTO system. Here’s what to expect when you bring your truck to Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX:
1. Truck Evaluation and Frame Assessment
We start by reviewing your truck’s GVWR, payload rating, and cab-to-axle (CA) measurement to ensure the crane and body combination falls within the manufacturer’s upfit guidelines. Overloading a chassis — even with a great crane — creates liability, safety issues, and DOT compliance problems.
2. Subframe and Mounting Fabrication
Tiger Cranes require a properly engineered subframe that ties into the truck frame rails at approved crossmember locations. Our installers fabricate and weld these mounts to spec, ensuring load forces are properly distributed across the frame.
3. Hydraulic System Integration
Most Tiger Crane models are hydraulically powered. We install the PTO (power take-off) or electric-over-hydraulic system, route hydraulic lines, and set up controls for both safe and efficient operation.
4. Body Integration
If you’re pairing a Tiger Crane with a crane body or service body, we mount and wire everything as a single integrated package. We also coordinate outrigger placement for models that require stabilization during heavy lifts.
5. Final Testing and Safety Check
Every installation is tested through full range-of-motion cycles before delivery. We verify load ratings, check for hydraulic leaks, and confirm all controls function properly.
Who Uses Tiger Cranes in Texas and Louisiana?
Tiger Cranes are popular across industries where heavy materials need to be moved in the field without a dedicated crane truck. Common buyers include:
- Oilfield operators — lifting pipe, pump jacks, and heavy equipment on lease sites
- Electrical utilities — handling transformers, wire spools, and line equipment
- Construction contractors — moving structural materials, concrete blocks, and prefab components
- HVAC and mechanical — lifting rooftop units and heavy mechanical equipment
- Municipal and government fleets — utility maintenance, parks and rec, public works
Tiger Crane vs. the Competition
When shopping truck-mounted cranes, you’ll likely compare Tiger to brands like Autocrane, Stellar, and Hyde. Tiger holds its own against all three — with competitive pricing, strong dealer support, and a product line that covers everything from light service trucks to heavy-duty oilfield rigs. We’ll be publishing head-to-head comparisons soon for buyers who want the full breakdown.
Get Tiger Crane Pricing and Installation in Wharton, TX
Ready to spec out a Tiger Crane for your work truck? Star Truck Equipment serves customers throughout Texas and Louisiana with expert crane installation, competitive pricing, and the kind of hands-on service you don’t get from a big box dealer.
Call us at (979) 532-1486 or visit us at 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX 77488 to discuss your application. We’ll help you match the right Tiger Crane model to your truck, your payload, and your job requirements — and get the installation done right the first time.
Browse our full selection of crane bodies for sale, service bodies, and STI truck bodies to build your complete work truck package.
