If you’re shopping for a truck-mounted crane for your service truck, three names come up again and again: Autocrane, Stellar, and Tiger. All three make quality cranes, but they’re not the same — and the differences matter when you’re spending serious money on a work truck upfit. This guide breaks down how each brand stacks up so you can make the right call for your operation in Texas or Louisiana.
Why Truck-Mounted Cranes Matter for Work Trucks
A truck-mounted crane (also called a crane body or mechanics crane) turns a pickup or cab-over into a self-sufficient service unit. Instead of needing a separate crane or lift, your technician drives to the job and lifts heavy components right off the truck. This is standard equipment in oilfield service, utility maintenance, construction, and fleet repair operations across Texas and Louisiana.
The crane you choose affects your truck’s payload capacity, lift range, ease of operation, and long-term maintenance costs. Here’s what you need to know about each brand.
Autocrane: The Legacy Standard
Autocrane has been building truck-mounted cranes for decades and has a loyal following among fleet operators and contractors. Their cranes are known for reliability and a wide range of models covering light-duty to heavy-duty applications.
- Capacity range: Roughly 3,000 to 30,000+ ft-lbs of lifting moment, covering most service truck applications
- Build quality: Solid steel construction, designed for long service life in harsh environments
- Controls: Traditional wired pendant control; some models offer wireless options
- Availability: Wide dealer and parts network across the U.S.
- Drawback: Some buyers find Autocrane pricing on the higher end; older models can be slower than newer competitors
Autocrane is a solid choice if you have technicians who already know the platform and value the proven track record. For established Texas fleets running standardized equipment, it’s hard to argue with what works.
Stellar Industries: Built for Heavy Work
Stellar is best known for their heavy-duty service truck bodies, knuckle boom cranes, and integrated crane body packages. They tend to attract buyers who need high lifting capacity and want a complete body-and-crane solution from one manufacturer.
- Capacity range: Light-duty models up through heavy-duty knuckle boom cranes with 50,000+ ft-lbs of moment
- Build quality: Heavy-duty fabrication; Stellar is often used in utility, telecom, and heavy construction
- Controls: Ergonomic controls; knuckle boom models offer excellent precision for placing equipment
- Integration: Stellar’s crane bodies are often matched with their own service body platforms for a complete package
- Drawback: Premium pricing; heavier cranes require careful consideration of truck payload ratings and cab-to-axle measurements
If you’re running a utility service operation, a telecom fleet, or doing heavy equipment maintenance, Stellar’s knuckle boom options are hard to beat. For oilfield buyers in South Texas and Louisiana, the capacity and durability are proven in the field.
Tiger Cranes: The Value-Forward Option
Tiger Cranes have earned a strong reputation among contractors and service companies looking for solid crane performance without Autocrane or Stellar pricing. At Star Truck Equipment, we carry crane bodies including Tiger, because our customers consistently find them to be an excellent combination of value and capability.
- Capacity range: Models typically covering 3,500 to 17,500 ft-lbs — ideal for most service truck and mechanics truck applications
- Build quality: High-strength steel construction; designed to handle the rigors of daily commercial use
- Controls: Smooth hydraulic operation; intuitive controls that new operators pick up quickly
- Price point: Typically more accessible than Autocrane or Stellar equivalents in the same capacity class
- Lead time and availability: We stock and can source Tiger Cranes with faster lead times than some competitors
For contractors, ranchers, and small fleet operators in Texas and Louisiana who want a dependable truck crane without paying a premium brand tax, Tiger is worth a hard look. Our team can spec the right Tiger model for your truck and application. Read our full Tiger Cranes guide for more detail on models and capacities.
Head-to-Head: How They Compare
| Feature | Autocrane | Stellar | Tiger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity Range | Light–Heavy | Light–Very Heavy | Light–Medium-Heavy |
| Best For | Established fleets, proven reliability | Utility, telecom, heavy construction | Contractors, small fleets, best value |
| Knuckle Boom Option | Limited | Yes – strong lineup | No – traditional boom |
| Price Point | High | High–Premium | Mid-range |
| Parts Availability | Very good | Good | Good through dealer |
Which Crane Is Right for Your Truck?
The best truck-mounted crane is the one that matches your truck’s payload, your lifting requirements, and your budget. Here’s a quick rule of thumb:
- Oilfield service, heavy equipment maintenance: Stellar knuckle boom if you need precision and high capacity; Tiger or Autocrane for standard mechanics work
- General contractor service truck: Tiger Crane offers excellent value and is spec’d for most F-550/Ram 5500 applications
- Fleet replacement or standardization: Autocrane if you’re already on that platform; Tiger if you want to reduce costs without sacrificing performance
- Utility or telecom fleet: Stellar is the natural fit
We work with customers across Wharton, TX and throughout Texas and Louisiana every day. We can help you match the right crane to your exact truck specs — cab-to-axle, GVWR, payload, and intended use all factor in. Check out our full guide to crane bodies for service trucks in Texas for more buying guidance.
Buy or Spec a Truck Crane Through Star Truck Equipment
Star Truck Equipment is located in Wharton, TX and serves work truck buyers across Texas and Louisiana. We carry crane bodies and can match you with the right truck-mounted crane for your application. Whether you’re comparing Tiger vs Autocrane vs Stellar, or need help specing a complete service truck package with an STI service body, we’re here to help.
Call us at (979) 532-1486 or visit us at 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX 77488. We’ll help you find the right crane for your work truck — no guesswork, no overselling.
Also see: Tiger Crane vs Stellar Crane | STI vs Autocrane | Tiger Crane vs Hyde Crane
