A method of loading and unloading a flat-bed truck comprising the steps of: a) providing a crane or lift having a first lower hydraulic drive element and a second lower hydraulic drive element which is placed in parallel with said first hydraulic drive element, b) providing a first pivoting arm connected to said first lower hydraulic drive element and a second pivoting arm connected to said second lower hydraulic drive element, c) providing a cross-arm connected between the first and second pivoting arms, d) attaching the first and second lo. The lower plural drive elements are fixed in a horizontal position by brackets which may be easily applied and removed. The cranes are designed with a low center of gravity so they may be positioned at various points around the bed of the truck. Lower plural and parallel drive elements are used to drive upper pivoting arms which are connected by a cross-bar element.
The cranes are foldable downward into a horizontal position. A flat-bed truck system and method for efficiently delivering and unloading items using special crane, lift or hoist elements.