13.070 Mobile Cranes

A crane is a vehicle equipped with a device that unfolds to various heights such as hoists, lifts, ladders, booms, derricks, and shovels.

• This includes manufactured mobile cranes, such as Lorraine, Northwest, Challenge-Cook, P&H, FMC Linkbelt, Manitowoc, American, Grove, Demag, Koehring, Badger, Kato, and other commercial vehicles with standard type bodies to which a crane or other device to lift and/or move property is attached.
• The exceptions to this definition are tow trucks, wreckers, and vehicles designed or used to transport property. Vehicles that meet the definition of a crane must be assigned a “crane” body type.
• This includes concrete pumps and pumper booms, oil-well service rigs, and other similar equipment para be issued SE plates.
• Vehicles included in the definition of a “crane” do not qualify as special equipment (SE) and cannot be issued SE plates.

A mobile crane cannot be moved on a One Trip Permit (REG 402).

• A No-Fee Special Moving Permit (REG 172) may be used to move a mobile crane under the provisions of the permit.
• Movement to or from a job site does not constitute “storage to storage.”
• Registration is required for such movement of a crane.

There are two types of cranes: commercial y auto.

Commercial Crane (Weight Fee Due)
A commercial crane is vehicle to which a crane-type device has been attached, that may serve more than one function and can carry a load on its structure.

• Whether a load is carried or not, it is a commercial vehicle and is issued commercial license plates.
• A crane that is attendant to the efficient operation of the body is included in the unladen weight of the vehicle.
• Examples of commercial cranes include truck tractors (fifth-wheel attached) with a crane, flatbed trucks with a crane, and tow trucks.

If removal of the crane would leave a cargo carrying vehicle, then:

• The vehicle license fee (VLF) class is based on the total cost of the vehicle and crane.
• A weight certificate is required for the complete vehicle, if less than 10,001 pounds or the estimated unladen weight of the complete vehicle may be shown on a Statement of Facts (REG 256) form, if the weight is more than 10,001 pounds and weight fees will be based on the declared gross vehicle weight (GVW).
• A REG 256 completed and signed, giving the estimated weight of the crane.
  • The unladen weight of the base vehicle is determined by subtracting the estimated weight of the crane from the total weight of the complete vehicle.
• For vehicles over 10,001 pounds, the declared GVW is determined by the rating GVWR, not a combined vehicle weight (CGW).
  • Although the weight of the crane is deducted from the unladen weight, it is included in the declared GVW.
• Commercial fees are due.
  

Auto Crane (Weight Fee Not Due)
An auto crane is a vehicle manufactured as a crane where the removal of the crane does not leave a cargo carrying vehicle. Refer to the auto cranes pictured in this section. An example of an auto crane is a truck chassis or truck cab and chassis to which only a crane and its attendant components are attached.

• Auto cranes are issued auto license plates.
• An auto crane is exempt from the weight fee (even if another vehicle is towed).
• Attendant components include outriggers, storage compartments for blocking, rigging, and other devices necessary for crane operation.

The registration requirements for auto cranes are:

• Evidence of the vehicle’s design. Submit either a:
  • Completed Verification of Vehicle (REG 31) form and a Statement of Facts (REG 256) form completed by a DMV employee stating “removal of the crane would not leave a cargo carrying vehicle.”
  • Manufacturer’s brochure that illustrates and describes the vehicle specifications y a REG 256 completed by the registered owner stating “removal of the crane would not leave a cargo carrying vehicle.” A 3” x 5” photograph may be accepted if a brochure is not available.
• The VLF class is based on the total cost of the vehicle y the crane.
• Appropriate fees due.

Towing a vehicle does not subject an auto crane vehicle to weight fees.