With projects in construction, mining, logistics and other industries driving the crane market in South Africa, this equipment is a crucial component of infrastructure development in the country.

Whether lifting materials on-site, servicing hard-to-reach zones or managing time-sensitive logistics tasks, truck-mounted cranes, which combine transportation and lifting in one unit, offer measurable gains in productivity, uptime and operator control.

It is here that PESCI® COPMA® truck-mounted knuckle-boom cranes come into their own. Supplied by 600SA, a division of CFAO Equipment, their modular build and customisable configurations make them ideal for everything from deep-shaft mining support to urban construction sites and fast-paced logistics operations.

With a wide range of models and accessories, these cranes can be mounted on various truck platforms and adapted for specific tasks such as equipment servicing, material handling or container movement.

Sonia Pretorius, National Sales Manager for 600SA, says 600SA works closely with its customers to understand the specific requirements of their operations. “In the world of heavy lifting, efficiency is more than speed, it’s about precision, power and, importantly, adaptability.

 “We have adapted cranes for various industries, for example, we received a request from a mining operation to have its PESCI-COPMA cranes fitted with radio remote controls, as well as custom stabiliser legs to handle uneven terrain and heavy-duty payloads.”

In another instance, a construction company asked 600SA to integrate the cranes onto truck bodies specifically tailored for compact urban sites, ensuring mobility without sacrificing lifting capacity. “We also advise construction companies on rear mount installations to maximise height requirements,” adds Pretorius.

She says 600SA has optimised cranes for fast, repeatable loading cycles for logistics and fleet operators. “This includes add-ons such as toolboxes, remote-control operation and enhanced lighting for night work.

“Every solution is designed to enhance productivity in each unique working environment. Depending on the application, we can add accessories such as attachments for pole lifting, clamshell buckets with rotators and yolk, and baskets for man-lifting requirements.”

Time is money on any site, which is why PESCI-COPMA cranes feature rapid deployment mechanisms, including automatic stabiliser extensions, intelligent start-up sequences and remote-control systems that eliminate unnecessary movement or repositioning.

Operators can begin lifting tasks within minutes of arriving on-site. The result is faster turnaround, reduced labour hours and increased daily job output, all contributing directly to operational efficiency and profitability.

Pretorius notes that the PESCI-COPMA’s load-sensing hydraulic system is a key differentiator in the industry. “The system automatically adjusts hydraulic output based on the load and movement demands, which ensures precision control even in complex lifts. This enhances safety by preventing overloading and instability while also reducing wear and tear on the crane.”

This means operators benefit from smoother, more predictable responses, allowing them to work more confidently and accurately, especially in environments where precision is critical.

Another differentiator of the PESCI-COPMA truck-mounted cranes is their knuckle-boom feature which combines compactness, reach and flexibility, making them ideal for high-efficiency workflows.

Pretorius says the cranes can fold away neatly when not in use, allowing full vehicle mobility. “With remote control, faster cycle times and high lifting power relative to their size, knuckle-boom cranes give customers a distinct edge in both productivity and versatility.

“Additionally, the cranes can extend and articulate into confined or awkward spaces – places that traditional booms can’t reach. This adaptability reduces the need for repositioning the vehicle, which saves time and increases safety.”

Backed by 600SA’s technical expertise and nationwide support, Pretorius says every PESCI-COMPA truck-mounted crane is delivered to customers with one goal in mind: lifting performance without compromise.