Shopping for a truck-mounted crane in Texas or Louisiana? Tiger Cranes and Hyde Cranes are two solid options in the work truck crane market — but they have different strengths, price points, and dealer footprints. Here’s what you need to know before you commit to a crane build.
Tiger Crane vs Hyde Crane: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Tiger Cranes | Hyde Crane |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity Range | 3–10 ton-meter | 3–15+ ton-meter |
| Market Focus | F-450–F-550, Ram 4500–5500 service trucks | Service trucks, utility trucks, mid-range capacity |
| Service Body Pairing | Pairs with STI and RKI crane bodies | Compatible with multiple service body brands |
| Texas/LA Availability | Available at Star Truck Equipment, Wharton TX | Regional dealer availability varies |
| Best For | Oilfield, pipeline, utility on 1-ton+ pickups | Utility trucks, construction, mid-capacity service |
| Price (crane only) | $8,000–$22,000+ | $9,000–$28,000+ |
| Build Price (installed) | $20,000–$55,000 (crane + body + chassis) | $22,000–$60,000+ |
Tiger Cranes: The South Texas Work Truck Crane
Tiger Cranes are engineered specifically for the 1-ton to medium-duty work truck market. The 3, 5, and 7–10 ton-meter Tiger models fit naturally on F-450, F-550, Ram 4500, and Ram 5500 chassis — the trucks that dominate the Texas oilfield, pipeline, and utility service markets.
Tiger Crane Strengths
- Built for Texas work trucks — Perfectly sized for the F-450–F-550/Ram 4500–5500 class that makes up the bulk of South Texas service truck fleets
- Local availability — Stocked at Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX — no waiting on freight from out of state
- STI and RKI body integration — Tiger Cranes pair directly with STI crane bodies and RKI crane bodies for complete integrated builds
- Proven in oilfield and pipeline — Tiger Cranes work daily in the Eagle Ford, Gulf Coast, and Permian Basin
- Competitive pricing — Strong value in the 3–10 ton-meter segment vs larger crane manufacturers
Hyde Crane: Reliable Mid-Range Option
Hyde Crane builds truck-mounted cranes in the 3–15+ ton-meter range, serving service truck and utility truck markets with a solid lineup. Hyde cranes have a following in utility company and contractor markets where mid-range capacity requirements exceed what lighter cranes can handle, but don’t yet need heavy-construction-grade Stellar or Palfinger equipment.
Hyde Crane Strengths
- Mid-range capacity — Hyde’s lineup extends to 15+ ton-meter, bridging the gap between basic service truck cranes and full construction cranes
- Utility truck applications — Good fit for utility companies needing reliable mid-range lifts
- Established manufacturer — Solid industry track record with a loyal customer base
Hyde Crane Considerations
- More limited dealer network in South Texas and Louisiana compared to Tiger
- Pricing tends to run slightly higher in the overlapping 3–10 ton-meter range
- Less integrated with local service body brands (STI, RKI) vs Tiger’s purpose-built pairing approach
- Not stocked at Star Truck Equipment — requires special order or sourcing from regional dealers
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Tiger Crane If You:
- Are building a service truck on an F-450, F-550, Ram 4500, or Ram 5500
- Need 3–10 ton-meter capacity for oilfield, pipeline, or utility service lifts
- Want a locally available crane in the Wharton/South Texas area
- Are pairing with an STI or RKI crane body
- Want competitive pricing with fast, local support
Consider Hyde Crane If You:
- Need capacity in the 10–15+ ton-meter range that exceeds Tiger’s lineup
- Have an existing Hyde dealer relationship or service arrangement
- Run utility trucks where the specific Hyde model fits your spec requirements
Also Compare: Stellar and Palfinger
Looking at more crane options? We’ve also written detailed comparisons of Tiger Crane vs Stellar and Tiger Crane vs Palfinger to help you evaluate all your choices. And for a full breakdown of the crane truck build process, see our crane bodies for sale page.
Build Your Crane Truck at Star Truck Equipment
We build complete crane trucks — chassis, crane body, and Tiger Crane — all installed and ready to work. Our team in Wharton, TX has built crane trucks for oilfield operators, pipeline contractors, utility companies, and construction fleets across Texas and Louisiana.
📞 Call us at (979) 532-1486 to discuss crane sizing, chassis selection, body configuration, and total installed cost. We’ll help you build the right crane truck for your work.