Crane for UTV

European Energy develops, constructs and operates solar parks, where their technicians handle heavy components daily in areas with limited access. They needed a compact and flexible lifting solution that could be mounted on their UTV and used directly in challenging terrain.

ASP Product developed a customised solution based on our electric Knap On Crane, fitted with a specially designed mounting plate and adjustable support legs.

The Challenge

In many of European Energy’s solar parks, service vehicles cannot reach the installation areas, and it is not always possible to bring in a larger crane.

Instead, technicians use UTVs, which can operate in rough terrain and reach the equipment. This created a need for a lifting solution that could perform heavy lifting directly from the vehicle.

There were no standard UTV crane solutions available that combined low weight, fully electric operation, sufficient lifting capacity and reach. At the same time, the customer wanted a solution that did not rely on the vehicle’s own battery and could be moved between different vehicles and work tasks.

A conventional solution would therefore not meet the requirements for ergonomics, sustainability or functionality.

Our Solution

ASP developed a complete customised solution based on our Knap On Crane with electric lifting, electric extension and wire hoist.

The solution was mounted on a John Deere UTV with a robust mounting plate and a bracket for securing items on the loading platform during transport.

To ensure stability in challenging terrain, we designed two adjustable and foldable support legs that can be adapted to the specific lifting task and ground conditions.

The crane is powered by a removable battery, eliminating the need to run the UTV engine during operation. At the same time, the solution allows the crane to be moved to other vehicles or trailers equipped with the same type of mounting plate.

Technical Specifications

• Model: Knap On Crane Electric Lift
• Lifting capacity: 350 kg
• Reach: 2.5 metres
• Drive system: Electric lift, electric extension and wire hoist
• Operation: Remote control
• Weight: Under 50 kg
• Support legs: Two adjustable swivel legs for optimal stability
• Power supply: Removable battery independent of the vehicle’s power system
• Compatibility: Fits ASP’s standard mounting plate, allowing the crane to be moved between UTV, service vehicle or trailer

During the development process, the technician from European Energy participated in meetings at ASP’s factory, where requirements and challenges were reviewed in detail.

We built a prototype and carried out a digital presentation via video meeting, allowing the customer to follow the construction process and provide feedback along the way.

The final crane configuration was selected based on the need for maximum reach and fully electric operation, ensuring that all lifting tasks could be completed without manual handling.

The result was a solution specifically designed for the working conditions found in solar parks.

Results

• Significantly improved ergonomics and reduced physical strain
• Safe handling of heavy components in difficult-to-access areas
• Flexible crane solution that can be moved between multiple vehicles
• Fully electric operation without using the UTV’s own battery
• A customised solution precisely matching the technician’s daily tasks

Do You Have a Project That Requires a Custom Solution?

At ASP Product, we have more than 30 years of experience in developing and manufacturing lifting and material handling equipment.

In addition to our standard products, we customise solutions for specific tasks or develop completely new solutions that solve unique challenges.

Our mission is to create equipment that makes work easier, safer and more efficient.

If you have a challenge that requires a customised solution, feel free to contact us for advice and learn more about the possibilities via our contact form or by phone at +45 98 66 92 69.