GB/T 16253-2019 Lifting Truck Standard Guide
GB/T 16253-2019, "Loader Crane Lifting Trucks," is the product standard for loader cranes (truck-mounted cranes). It specifies the classification, technical requirements, test methods, and inspection rules for loader crane lifting trucks, and is applicable to special-purpose vehicles fitted with a loader crane (commonly known as a truck-mounted crane or onboard crane) on a truck chassis.
Scope of Application and Positioning
GB/T 16253-2019 classifies loader crane lifting trucks by crane installation position: front-mounted (behind the operator cabin, offering ample operating space but reducing some cargo capacity), mid-mounted (at the center of the cargo body, providing balanced load distribution but limited operating space), and rear-mounted (at the tail of the cargo body, maximizing cargo space but with slightly reduced stability). By boom type, they are classified as knuckle-boom (the most common, with a compact structure) and telescopic-boom (offering greater lifting height). By lifting capacity, they are divided into light-duty (≤5 t), medium-duty (6–12 t), and heavy-duty (≥16 t). Kelude can customize loader crane lifting trucks to meet specific customer requirements.
Chassis Structure and Hydraulic System Requirements
The standard specifies requirements for the chassis and structural components: a Type II truck chassis must be used, and the chassis frame must be reinforced with stiffening beams at the crane mounting location. Typically, 2 to 4 outriggers are fitted, and the outrigger span determines the crane's stability and rated lifting capacity. The cargo body floor is made of checkered steel plate. A power take-off (PTO) drives the hydraulic pump from the chassis gearbox (transmission). The hydraulic system operates at a working pressure of 20–30 MPa and includes hoisting, luffing, telescoping, slewing, and outrigger circuits. Operation is controlled via hydraulic pilot proportional control or electric proportional control. Safety functions include load-holding valves, overload protection, height limit switches, and outrigger interlocks.
Testing and Inspection Requirements
The tests specified in the standard cover five main categories: driving test, lifting operation test, static load test, stability test, and brake test. The driving test requires the loader crane lifting truck to travel at its maximum speed on a highway for no less than 100 km under full load, checking driving stability and braking performance. The lifting operation test requires operating all mechanisms through at least 3 complete cycles while lifting the rated load at each major working radius.
The static load test requires lifting 1.25 times the rated load at the most unfavorable working radius corresponding to the maximum rated lifting capacity and holding for 10 minutes — the structure must show no permanent deformation and the outriggers must not sink. The stability test requires lifting the rated load at the maximum working radius and measuring the outrigger reaction forces (tested separately in the front, side, and rear directions) — no outrigger reaction force may be negative. The brake test requires that the service braking distance complies with GB 7258 (30 m at 60 km/h under full load). Vehicle passability requirements include an approach angle ≥14°, a departure angle ≥12°, and a minimum ground clearance ≥180 mm.
The standard also requires a 5-hour continuous operation test before delivery (with cyclic operation of all mechanisms) to verify hydraulic system temperature rise and reliability. A comprehensive type test is required every 2 years.
| inspection items | technical requirements | test method | Standard Clause |
|---|---|---|---|
| driving test | ≥100km | Road Travel | §6.1 |
| Lifting Operation | All Mechanisms3Cycle | rated load | §6.2 |
| Static load test | 1.25Times×10min | Nonepermanent deformation | §6.3 |
| Stability | outrigger reaction≥0 | Three Directions Test | §6.4 |
| brake test | 30m@60km/h | GB 7258 | §6.5 |
| Test Item | test conditions | Acceptance Criteria | Standard Clause |
|---|---|---|---|
| driving test | Full load>100km | Braking/Stability Qualified | §6.1 |
| Lifting Operation | rated load3Cycle | All Mechanisms Normal | §6.2 |
| Static load test | 1.25Times×10min | None Deformation/Sagging | §6.3 |
| Stability | Three Directions Test | outrigger reaction≥0 | §6.4 |
| Continuous Operation | 5hCycle | temperature rise All Mechanisms Normal | §6.5 |
Standard Comparison and Application Recommendations
The main difference between GB/T 16253-2019 and GB/T 15360-2019 (Truck Crane) lies in their design philosophy — a Loader Crane is an integrated "truck + crane" unit that combines cargo transport with self-loading/unloading capability, whereas a Truck Crane is dedicated lifting equipment with no cargo-carrying function. As a result, the lifting capacity of a Loader Crane is typically lower than that of a Truck Crane built on the same chassis class. When selecting equipment, assess your actual lifting requirements to avoid under-specification or over-configuration. The total mass of a Lifting truck (curb weight + rated payload + crew weight) must not exceed the maximum permissible gross vehicle mass specified by the chassis manufacturer.
In practice, the outrigger interlock is the most critical safety feature on a Loader Crane — if any outrigger is not fully extended and grounded, the system automatically locks slewing and boom movements, preventing the operator from starting a lifting operation with outriggers retracted. Regularly inspect hydraulic hoses for leaks and wear, as these are among the most common failure points given the high duty cycle of Loader Cranes. Kelude can customize Loader Cranes to meet specific user requirements.
Related Standards: GB/T 3811-2008 Crane Design Specification — Key Clause Interpretation: Load, Structure, Mechanism, Electrical, and Safety Systems · GB/T 28264-2017 Safety Monitoring and Management System for Lifting Appliances — 9 Mandatory Monitoring Items and System Architecture
Related Standards
FAQ
Q: What is the main difference between a Loader Crane and a Truck Crane?
A: A Loader Crane is an integrated "truck + crane" design — it carries cargo and uses its built-in crane for self-loading and unloading. A Truck Crane is dedicated lifting equipment that can only lift, not transport cargo. Loader Cranes generally have lower lifting capacity than Truck Cranes on the same chassis class, but they offer the convenience of self-loading and self-unloading.
Q: What are the pros and cons of knuckle-boom vs. telescopic-boom Loader Cranes?
A: Knuckle-boom (the mainstream type) — the boom folds back for compact storage, deploys quickly, but has limited lifting height (typically ≤20 m). Telescopic-boom — the boom extends in multiple sections, offering greater lifting height (up to 30 m or more), but the design is more complex, heavier, and takes up cargo space. Selection guide: choose a knuckle-boom for general logistics and distribution; choose a telescopic-boom when you need greater lifting height.
Q: What are the key safe operation practices for a Loader Crane?
A: Always fully extend the outriggers before lifting — never lift with outriggers partially extended or retracted. Check the load-bearing capacity of the ground and use cribbing pads if necessary. Never overload — always operate according to the lifting capability table. Never use the crane to lift the vehicle itself. Retract and lock the boom before driving. Periodically inspect hydraulic hoses for leaks and wear.
Q: Why is an outrigger interlock system mandatory on a Loader Crane?
A: The outrigger interlock prevents operator error — if any outrigger is not fully extended and grounded, the system automatically locks slewing and boom movements. This prevents lifting operations with outriggers retracted, a condition where the crane's stabilizing moment is severely compromised and the entire vehicle could overturn.
