A hitch mounted crane, often called a hitch crane or receiver crane, slides into the trailer hitch receiver of a pickup truck and turns the truck into a compact lifting tool. It is popular with workshops, farms, and maintenance crews that need to move heavy parts without hiring a full-size crane.
What Is a Hitch Crane?
A hitch crane is a lifting arm that mounts into a standard receiver hitch. Most designs include a vertical mast, a pivoting arm, a winch or hydraulic lift, and stabilizer legs that transfer load to the ground. Because it can be removed when not in use, the truck remains available for normal hauling.
How a Hitch Crane Works
The crane uses the receiver hitch as its mounting point, then braces against the ground with stabilizer legs. A hand winch, electric winch, or hydraulic cylinder raises the arm and moves the load. The receiver must be rated for the forces produced by the crane; never exceed the hitch rating or the truck load rating.
Capacity and Reach
Hitch cranes are designed for light and medium loads, not heavy industrial lifting. Capacity drops as the arm extends, so always use the load chart for the actual reach. A small unit may handle a few hundred pounds at full extension and more close to the mast. For heavier work, consider a full truck mounted crane from our ultimate truck mounted crane guide.
Main Benefits
- Low purchase price compared with full-size truck cranes
- Quick installation and removal from the receiver
- The truck keeps its normal cargo space
- Suitable for engines, pumps, gearboxes, lumber, and equipment
- Good for small workshops, farms, and mobile maintenance
Popular Brands and Models
The market includes brands such as Spitzlift, Vestil, and Ultra Tow. Spitzlift is known for receiver-mounted crane systems, while Vestil offers economical hoist and jib cranes, and Ultra Tow is known for hydraulic pickup cranes. Our best pickup truck crane review compares the main options.
Installation
Installation normally requires a receiver, a pin, and stabilizer legs. The receiver must be clean, undamaged, and rated for the crane. Follow the manufacturer torque values and check the locking pin before each lift. Our step-by-step hitch crane installation guide covers the process in detail.
Safety
Hitch cranes create high leverage forces. Park on firm ground, engage the parking brake, chock the wheels, and extend the stabilizers fully. Never lift more than the chart allows, and never allow people to stand under the load. Review the truck mounted crane safety guide before first use.
Maintenance
Inspect the receiver, pin, welds, cables, winch, and stabilizers regularly. Keep moving parts lubricated, replace worn pins and slings, and clean the crane after dirty jobs. A well-maintained hitch crane can last for many years of light-duty work.
Conclusion
A hitch mounted pickup crane is one of the most affordable ways to add lifting capacity to a light truck. Choose the capacity and reach carefully, install it correctly, and always respect the load chart. For a detailed brand comparison, see our 2026 pickup crane reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hitch crane?
A hitch crane is a lifting arm that mounts into the receiver hitch of a pickup truck or light truck. It is used for light and medium lifting jobs such as moving engines, equipment, and building materials.
How much weight can a hitch mounted crane lift?
Capacity varies by model and reach. Always use the load chart for the exact lifting radius. Small units are rated for light loads, while hydraulic models can handle more, but none are a substitute for a heavy-duty truck crane.
Can I install a hitch crane myself?
Most hitch cranes are designed for easy receiver mounting and can be installed by the owner. Follow the manufacturer instructions, use the correct pin, and verify all fasteners before lifting.
Which brand makes the best hitch crane?
Popular brands include Spitzlift, Vestil, and Ultra Tow. The best choice depends on your load, your truck, and your budget. Compare ratings, stability, and installation effort before buying.
Is a hitch crane safe on a pickup truck?
It can be safe when the receiver rating, truck rating, load chart, stabilizers, and operating procedures are respected. Never exceed rated capacity and always set the stabilizers.
