Tiffin Loader Crane began selling and installing articulating loader cranes in 1985. Articulating cranes, also known as knuckleboom cranes, were widely used in Europe where the technology was developed, but were relatively unknown in North America. Tiffin Loader Crane helped pioneer the new technology by showing customers how to work safer and more productively with knuckleboom cranes.

As it grew, the company began adapting articulating crane technology to new applications. Rolling base cranes helped transportation companies become more productive by maximizing payload and minimizing loading and unloading time. Unique pole handling cranes allowed companies that distribute utility poles to operate more efficiently.

Innovative product applications allowed the company to expand its markets and reach new industries. The company became known for developing innovative solutions to customers’ material handling problems. It developed an extensive customer base in the concrete industry with forming (poured wall) and precast companies.

In September, 1991 Palfinger appointed Tiffin Loader Crane as its exclusive dealer for Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Indiana, Illinois, and western Pennsylvania. A well established customer base and extensive knowledge of customer applications helped the company become Palfinger’s largest independent dealer.

Tiffin Loader Crane was acquired by Palfinger in December of 2000 to give Palfinger a stronger presence in the U.S. market. The following year the company relocated to a new facility shared with Palfinger’s US operations. The new shop allowed the company to continue to grow and provided space for fabricating truck bodies, a full-size paint booth, a machine shop as well as 10 truck bays for installing and servicing customer’s equipment.

The company offers the full range of Palfinger cranes, Crayler truck mounted forklifts, Palift hooklift systems, and PSC service cranes all fully mounted, tested and ready to use. The company also manufactures a range of products for the scale test industry for calibrating and testing truck and rail scale systems. The company’s parts and service departments provide ongoing support to maximize the productivity of customers’ equipment. 

In 2010, Palfinger North America acquired Omaha Standard, a manufacturer of utility service bodies and liftgate hoists.  Along with the manufacturing business came a factory owned distribution network of 9 locations in Fort Lauderdale, Birmingham, Charlotte, Council Bluffs, Indianapolis, Louisville, Nashville, Dallas, and Atlanta which merged with Tiffin Loader Crane to create the new PalFleet distribution network.

New product development coupled with an extensive service network has allowed Palfinger, Tiffin Loader Crane, and the new PalFleet group to widen their footprint in North America.  Our core business still remains in providing the highest quality lifting, loading, and handling solutions for your business.