Utility Task Vehicles comprise a chassis, a truck body mounted to the chassis, a truck bed for holding material, and a hydraulic and/or electrical system. What is presented is a lifting unit for a Utility Task Vehicle that is factory built into the Utility Task Vehicle or an after-market add-on to the Utility Task Vehicle. The lifting unit comprises a cross-bracket mounted to the underside of the chassis and a side rail along one side of the truck body. A rotatable horseshoe hinge is mounted to the side rail. The horseshoe hinge is configured to pivot between a lower position and an upper position. An interchangeable attachment is configured to be installed on the horseshoe hinge. The interchangeable attachment could be, for example, a rock picker, a material lifting bucket, a log and bag loader, a deer skinning pole, or a hoist.

Utility Task Vehicles comprise a chassis, a truck body mounted to the chassis, a truck bed for holding material, and a hydraulic and/or electrical system. What is presented is a lifting unit for a Utility Task Vehicle that is factory built into the Utility Task Vehicle or an after-market add-on to the Utility Task Vehicle. The lifting unit comprises a cross-bracket mounted to the underside of the chassis and a side rail along one side of the truck body. A rotatable horseshoe hinge is mounted to the side rail. The horseshoe hinge is configured to pivot between a lower position and an upper position. An interchangeable attachment is configured to be installed on the horseshoe hinge. The interchangeable attachment could be, for example, a rock picker, a material lifting bucket, a log and bag loader, a deer skinning pole, or a hoist.

The truck bed cargo hoist is configured for use with a load. The truck bed cargo hoist is configured for use with a pickup truck. The pickup truck is further defined with a bed. The truck bed cargo hoist is mounted in the bed of the pickup truck. The truck bed cargo hoist is configured for use in raising the load in the superior direction. The truck bed cargo hoist comprises a slewing structure, a stanchion, a jib, a plurality of gussets, and a hoist system. The slewing structure, the stanchion, the jib, and the plurality of gussets form the framework that supports the hoist system. The hoist system raises and lowers the load. The stanchion, the jib, and the plurality of gussets are interconnected. The slewing structure attaches the stanchion to the bed of the pickup truck such that the yaw angle of the jib is adjustable.

The truck bed cargo hoist is configured for use with a load. The truck bed cargo hoist is configured for use with a pickup truck. The pickup truck is further defined with a bed. The truck bed cargo hoist is mounted in the bed of the pickup truck. The truck bed cargo hoist is configured for use in raising the load in the superior direction. The truck bed cargo hoist comprises a slewing structure, a stanchion, a jib, a plurality of gussets, and a hoist system. The slewing structure, the stanchion, the jib, and the plurality of gussets form the framework that supports the hoist system. The hoist system raises and lowers the load. The stanchion, the jib, and the plurality of gussets are interconnected. The slewing structure attaches the stanchion to the bed of the pickup truck such that the yaw angle of the jib is adjustable.

Provided is an outrigger pad hoist apparatus that raises and lowers outrigger pads on a mobile crane. The outrigger pad hoist apparatus includes a frame having two arms that form an angle such that frame conforms and may be coupled to a rear end of an elevated deck of a mobile crane system. The outrigger pad hoist apparatus includes a winch mechanism, a chain, and an outrigger pad holder coupled to the chain. The outrigger pad holder moves along the frame via movement of the chain by the winch mechanism. Outrigger pads may be placed on the outrigger pad holder. The outrigger pads may be moved to a lower position for easier removal by operating the winch mechanism. Mobile cranes having the outrigger pad hoist and methods of operation and manufacture are also provided.

Provided is an outrigger pad hoist apparatus that raises and lowers outrigger pads on a mobile crane. The outrigger pad hoist apparatus includes a frame having two arms that form an angle such that frame conforms and may be coupled to a rear end of an elevated deck of a mobile crane system. The outrigger pad hoist apparatus includes a winch mechanism, a chain, and an outrigger pad holder coupled to the chain. The outrigger pad holder moves along the frame via movement of the chain by the winch mechanism. Outrigger pads may be placed on the outrigger pad holder. The outrigger pads may be moved to a lower position for easier removal by operating the winch mechanism. Mobile cranes having the outrigger pad hoist and methods of operation and manufacture are also provided.

Methods and apparatus to power a crane on a work truck using an engine-powered service pack are disclosed. An example auxiliary power system for a vehicle includes an engine, a generator configured to convert mechanical energy from the engine to electrical energy, and power conversion circuitry configured to provide electrical power to a crane to enable the crane to lift at least a portion of a rated load, and configured to convert the electrical energy from the generator to output DC power.

Methods and apparatus to power a crane on a work truck using an engine-powered service pack are disclosed. An example auxiliary power system for a vehicle includes an engine, a generator configured to convert mechanical energy from the engine to electrical energy, and power conversion circuitry configured to provide electrical power to a crane to enable the crane to lift at least a portion of a rated load, and configured to convert the electrical energy from the generator to output DC power.

Crane assemblies for attachment to a vehicle tow hitch are described.

Crane assemblies for attachment to a vehicle tow hitch are described.