In early 2000, Manitex acquired Pioneer Cranes of Hutchison, Kansas. Pioneer's highly regarded product line brought new and different technologies to the boom-truck division, especially in the important mid-size capacity range. The Pioneer line includes five models with capacities ranging from 15 to 28.8 tons, and features an innovative X-type outrigger system that provides 360-degree stability and 500-degree rotation capability without any reduction in lifting capacity. Pioneer Cranes were designed by Ray Pitman, the pioneer of the boom-truck business. Pitman is credited with designing the world's first boom truck in the early 1950s.