When it comes to truck-mounted cranes, two names come up repeatedly in Texas and Louisiana work truck circles: Tiger Cranes and Stellar Industries. Both manufacturers build capable units, but they’re built for different kinds of operators. If you’re shopping for a crane body or a truck-mounted crane for your service fleet, this comparison will help you make the right call.
At Star Truck Equipment in Wharton, TX, we carry Tiger Cranes and work with contractors, oilfield operators, and utility companies across Texas and Louisiana every day. Here’s our honest take on how these two brands stack up.
Tiger Cranes Overview
Tiger Cranes are truck-mounted articulating and telescoping cranes designed specifically for heavy-duty service and utility applications. They’re known for their precise hydraulic control, compact folded profiles, and excellent reach-to-weight ratios. Tiger builds units ranging from light-duty picker cranes to mid-sized units capable of handling loads in the 4,000–12,000 lb range.
Key characteristics of Tiger Cranes:
- Articulating knuckle-boom design for tight jobsite access
- Available in a wide range of lift capacities
- Compact footprint — ideal for service trucks and crane bodies where truck payload matters
- Hydraulic outriggers standard on most mid and heavy models
- Designed to integrate cleanly with STI service bodies and crane bodies
- Popular with oilfield, construction, and utility operators throughout Texas
If you need a crane that can work in tight spaces, reach over obstacles, and fold down neatly when not in use, Tiger Cranes are often the first choice for experienced work truck operators.
Stellar Industries Overview
Stellar Industries is an Iowa-based manufacturer known for producing telescoping crane bodies, hooklift systems, and integrated service body/crane combos. Their crane products are popular with municipalities, utility fleets, and large construction companies.
Key characteristics of Stellar Cranes:
- Telescoping straight-boom design on most models
- Heavy emphasis on integrated body + crane combos (crane body built into the unit)
- Strong presence in municipal and utility fleet markets
- Available with remote control operation on higher-spec models
- Generally higher price point for equivalent lifting capacity
- Broad dealer network, though regional support varies in Texas and Louisiana
Tiger Crane vs Stellar: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Tiger Cranes | Stellar Cranes |
|---|---|---|
| Boom Style | Articulating (knuckle-boom) | Telescoping (straight-boom) |
| Best For | Tight access, service trucks, oilfield | Municipal, utility, integrated body combos |
| Typical Capacity Range | 4,000–12,000+ lbs | 8,000–20,000+ lbs |
| Price Range | Moderate — strong value for capacity | Higher — premium pricing on integrated units |
| Compact Folded Profile | ✅ Excellent | ⚠️ Adequate (larger footprint) |
| Integration with Service Bodies | Excellent — pairs well with STI, CM crane bodies | Often sold as integrated combo only |
| Texas/Louisiana Support | Strong — stocked and installed locally | Limited local dealer presence |
Which Crane Is Right for Your Work Truck?
Choose Tiger Cranes if:
- You need a crane that works in tight spaces — construction sites, oilfield pads, residential lots
- You’re mounting the crane on an existing service body or crane body
- You want a compact, efficient unit that doesn’t eat into your truck’s payload rating
- You need local installation and service support in Texas or Louisiana
- You’re running a service truck or mechanics truck and want a picker crane that won’t slow you down
Consider Stellar if:
- You need a very high-capacity lift (above 12,000 lbs) for heavy equipment or utility work
- You’re spec’ing a full integrated body + crane combo for a municipal or utility fleet
- A straight-boom reach profile fits your specific application better than a knuckle-boom
For the majority of Texas and Louisiana contractors — oilfield hands, construction crews, ranch operations, and trades businesses — Tiger Cranes offer better reach, better value, and better local support than Stellar in most configurations.
Pair a Tiger Crane with the Right Service Body
A crane is only as good as the body it’s mounted on. At Star Truck Equipment, we help customers select the right crane body or STI service body to match their Tiger Crane installation. Whether you’re building a full crane body truck from scratch or adding a picker crane to an existing service truck, we handle the full build in Wharton, TX.
We serve customers from Houston to San Antonio, and across Louisiana — Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Lafayette, and beyond. If you’re ready to spec out a crane truck, give us a call and we’ll walk you through your options.
Ready to Order a Tiger Crane for Your Work Truck?
Star Truck Equipment is your source for Tiger Cranes, crane bodies, and complete work truck upfitting in South Texas. We stock units, handle custom installs, and work with fleets of all sizes.
📞 Call us at (979) 532-1486 to talk to a truck equipment specialist today.
📍 Located at 2507 County Rd 231, Wharton, TX 77488 — serving Texas and Louisiana.
You can also browse our full selection of crane bodies for sale and service bodies for sale online.
