The classification of crane trucks depends on the characteristics of the vehicles and the functions they fulfill. The most common types are:
- Hydrocrane: a truck with an articulated hydraulic crane designed to transport, support, lift, and deposit loads.
- Sidelifter crane truck, also known as a sideload truck: it has an attached lifting spreader that hooks, raises, and lowers containers to the truck.
- Telescopic crane truck: a mobile kind that's useful for work involving lifting, turning, or extending to different radii; it is precise and fast in its movement.
- Articulated crane truck: this kind has a rotating column, and the crane is usually installed on commercial vehicles with high strength and load capacities.