When contractors, utility companies, and oilfield operators in Texas and Louisiana start shopping for a truck-mounted crane, two names consistently rise to the top of the conversation: Tiger Cranes and Autocrane. Both are respected manufacturers with proven track records — but they’re not identical products, and the right choice depends on your specific application, budget, and truck setup.
At Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX, we carry and install Tiger Cranes and know this product category inside and out. Here’s an honest, practical comparison to help you make the right decision for your work truck.
Overview: Two Industry Leaders
Tiger Cranes
Tiger Cranes (manufactured by Service Trucks International) are a mainstay in the Texas and Gulf Coast markets. Tiger offers a broad lineup of truck-mounted articulating cranes ranging from light-duty units (under 5,000 lb-ft) to heavy-duty models capable of 80,000+ lb-ft of torque. Tiger cranes are engineered for durability in demanding oilfield, construction, and utility service applications. Their designs prioritize ease of installation on a wide range of cab-to-axle configurations, and they pair naturally with STI service bodies and crane bodies.
Autocrane
Autocrane (now part of Manitowoc Cranes) is one of the oldest names in the truck-mounted crane business, with roots going back to the 1960s. Autocrane specializes in rotating telescoping cranes — particularly their well-known 3203, 6006, and 8006 series. These are conventional “knuckle-boom” and rotating telescopic designs that have earned a loyal following in certain fleet and military applications. Autocrane products are distributed nationally through specialized dealers.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Tiger Cranes | Autocrane |
|---|---|---|
| Design Type | Articulating knuckle-boom | Telescoping rotating (most models) |
| Capacity Range | ~3,000 – 80,000+ lb-ft | ~4,000 – 120,000 lb-ft |
| Boom Style | Folding articulated arm | Straight telescoping boom |
| Stowed Profile | Compact — folds tight behind cab | Taller stowed height typical |
| Rotation | 360° continuous | 360° continuous |
| Controls | Radio remote + hardwired pendant | Hardwired pendant + optional remote |
| Best Fit | Service trucks, crane bodies, oilfield, construction, utilities | Fleet, municipal, specialty industrial |
| Local Availability (TX/LA) | ✅ Star Truck Equipment, Wharton TX | Limited regional dealers |
| Install Turnaround | Typically 1–3 days | Varies by dealer |
Boom Design: Articulating vs. Telescoping
This is the most fundamental difference between Tiger and Autocrane products. Tiger Cranes use an articulating (knuckle-boom) design — the boom folds at one or more joints, allowing it to reach over, around, and under obstacles. This makes Tiger cranes especially effective for loading/unloading in tight spaces, reaching into trenches, and positioning materials precisely on job sites.
Most Autocrane models use a telescoping boom that extends outward in a straight line. Telescoping designs can offer excellent reach at higher capacities and work well when you need to lift straight up and out. However, they typically have a taller stowed profile and less flexibility when obstacles are in the way.
For most Texas and Louisiana contractors working construction sites, oilfields, and roadside service applications, Tiger’s articulating design is more versatile in day-to-day use.
Capacity: What Do You Actually Need?
Both manufacturers offer a range of capacities — but it’s important to match the crane to your actual lift requirements, not just buy the biggest unit available. A crane that’s too heavy for your truck setup will push you over payload limits and create compliance problems.
Tiger’s most popular models for service truck applications in Texas include mid-range units in the 10,000–40,000 lb-ft range, which pair well with Ford F-450/F-550 and Ram 4500/5500 chassis cabs. For heavier oilfield work, Tiger’s larger units — installed on medium-duty chassis — deliver serious lifting power.
Autocrane’s heavy-duty series can reach higher maximum capacities, which is an advantage for specialized industrial lifting. But for the typical service truck buyer in Texas and Louisiana, Tiger’s lineup covers virtually every real-world need.
Installation and Availability in Texas
One of Tiger’s biggest advantages for buyers in the Gulf Coast region is local availability and fast installation. Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX stocks and installs Tiger Cranes with typical turnaround times of 1–3 business days. Our experienced installation team properly integrates the crane with your crane body or service body, ensures correct cab-to-axle fitment, and handles all the wiring and hydraulic connections.
Autocrane’s dealer network is thinner in Texas and Louisiana, which can mean longer lead times, more complex warranty service, and less local expertise. For owner-operators and fleet managers who need their trucks running quickly, that’s a meaningful practical disadvantage.
Best Use Cases for Tiger Cranes
- Oilfield service trucks — Tiger’s articulating design handles tight wellsite spaces with ease
- Construction contractors — Pick and place materials, load/unload equipment, handle pipe and structural steel
- Utility and infrastructure maintenance — Set poles, position transformers, handle conduit and cable
- Mechanics truck applications — Engine pulls, component swaps, heavy equipment repairs in the field
- Municipal and fleet operations — Reliable, proven performance for Texas county and city fleets
Best Use Cases for Autocrane
- Applications requiring maximum reach at height — Telescoping boom can excel in certain overhead lift scenarios
- National fleet standardization — Large fleets already spec’d to Autocrane may prefer to stay consistent
- Military and government contracts — Autocrane has strong government/defense procurement history
The Verdict: Which Crane Should You Choose?
For the vast majority of Texas and Louisiana buyers — contractors, oilfield operators, utility workers, and fleet managers — Tiger Cranes offer the right combination of versatility, proven durability, competitive pricing, and local support. The articulating boom design handles more real-world job site scenarios, installation is fast and local, and parts/service are readily available in our region.
Autocrane is a legitimate product, and in some niche applications or fleet-standardized scenarios, it may be the right spec. But for most buyers reading this, Tiger will serve you better day in and day out on Texas and Louisiana job sites.
Curious which Tiger Crane model is right for your truck and application? The team at Star Truck Equipment can help you size it correctly, confirm payload compliance, and get it installed fast. Give us a call at (979) 532-1486 or visit us at 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX 77488. We serve contractors and fleet operators across Texas and Louisiana.
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