How Much Can a Crane Lift?
When you see a crane lifting a massive load, do you ever stop to wonder how heavy it is? With a long, narrow neck, it can seem impossible that a crane has such lifting capacity.
It takes an educated professional to operate and understand cranes, including how much they can lift. Despite their size and abilities, cranes are not indestructible, and each model has a weight limit for how much material it can safely transport. As a crane operator, you must know the load capacity of your crane to keep you and everyone else on the worksite safe.
If you’re interested in learning more about crane lifting capacity, keep reading. Heavy Equipment Colleges of America (HEC) has got you covered with the industry’s most recent and expert knowledge on what crane load capacity is, and how to calculate capacity for one.
What Is Crane Load Testing?
OSHA mandates that cranes undergo regular load testing to make sure the equipment can still handle the load capacity written in the load chart. This testing is required for brand-new cranes before they begin their first job, as well as older cranes that may have recently been modified or repaired.
Importance of Crane Load Testing
Regular crane load testing checks that the equipment is functioning properly and isn’t experiencing any malfunctions or breakdowns. This, in turn, keeps workers and operators safe on the job site. Testing helps prevent costly machinery damages and serious personal injury to on-site workers.
Key Elements of Crane Lifting Capacity
A crane’s lifting capacity isn’t a guessing game where you pile on more materials until the machine fails. The key elements that make up a proper load capacity are the crane’s range and the load chart.
- Range
The range refers to how far the crane can safely move a load. This includes vertical and horizontal ranges. - Load Chart
Every crane comes with a manual from the manufacturer that goes over the safety features, the main crane parts, and the load capacity. This load chart helps you determine the capacity of the crane and what it can safely carry. This calculation is based on the load radius and other environmental factors.
Factors That Affect Capacity
- Boom Length: The longer the boom, the less weight the crane can safely carry.
- Lift Angle: The lift angle refers to the angle between the load and the boom. The smaller the angle, the smaller the weight limit for the crane.
- Weather Conditions: Strong winds or muddy terrain can make the crane more unstable, meaning it cannot safely carry as heavy of a load. The more serious the weather is, the less load it can carry.
- Dimensions and Weight: In general, larger cranes can carry heavier loads. Cranes with a larger base can also carry more weight with added stability.
- Stroke: For hydraulic cranes, the range of motion of the piston in the cylinder impacts how much the crane can safely carry. The more range of motion the crane has, the heavier the load it can carry.
Which Devices Will Be Used?
Using a load chart to determine the lifting capacity of a crane is a great starting point, but you also need special equipment to get a better understanding of what the crane can safely handle. Most cranes have a load moment indicator or rated capacity limiter installed to alert the operator of load capacities and if the load is reaching the safety limit.
Another great tool at your disposal is the anemometer, which measures wind speed. Because cranes are so tall, they can be vulnerable to strong winds that affect their overall stability. The load capacity may change slightly depending on the wind speeds outside.
Crane Types and Lifting Capacity
The lifting capacity depends on the type of crane you’re using. Different models have different load limitations, and it’s important to know the difference so you pick the best crane for the job. Some of the main crane types and their load capacities include:
- Tower Cranes: Tower cranes are the multi-story cranes you see that are assembled on-site and remain stationary. They can lift between 20 and 100 tons depending on the model.
- Mobile Cranes: A mobile crane allows for more flexibility on a job site, and they can typically lift between 10 and 60 tons.
- Boom Trucks: The lift capacity of a boom truck varies, and some can lift up to 175 tons.
How To Find the Load Capacity of a Crane Using the Load Chart
Every crane has a unique load chart that helps you determine how much the machine can safely carry. The crane’s manufacturers will typically provide a copy of the chart in the main cabin of the crane. Here’s a quick guide on how to use these charts to calculate the crane load capacity:
- Calculate the Load Radius: The first step is to use the range diagram to determine the load radius. Find the boom length and angle on the diagram, then look at the corresponding number at the bottom. That number is your load radius.
- Find the Crane Lifting Capacity in the Chart: Now that you have the load radius, head over to the crane load chart. Find the load radius on the chart and find the corresponding load capacity. The chart will also tell you the proper accessories and configuration for your crane so you know it’s set up properly.
- Consider Environmental Factors and Accessories: Even when you have the load capacity, be aware of environmental factors that can impact this number. This can include the slope of the ground, wind speeds, and other factors.
How To Choose the Right Crane Capacity for Your Needs
Choosing the right crane for the job ensures job site efficiency without risking worker safety. Different jobs require different cranes, and picking the right one will set you and your team up for success. Here are a few things to consider when picking a crane for a job site.
- Know the Job Requirements: Think about the types of loads that the crane will need to move. Consider the height, weight, and type of load, and pick a crane that can do what you need it to do.
- Look at the Condition of the Job Site: Look at the job site and see what you’re working with. Strong winds and narrow job sites should impact the crane you choose, as it should be able to navigate the area safely with the predicted weather forecasts.
- Look at the Load Chart in Advance: If you can, look at the crane’s load chart ahead of time. Calculate the load capacity of the crane and see if it’s enough to get the job done. You want a crane that can safely move the loads, so pick a crane that has the load capacity to do so.
- Consider How the Crane Will Be Moved: Keep in mind how you can get the crane onto the job site. Larger cranes may need to be assembled on-site, while others may be driven to where they need to go. Check local city and state laws to see if you need any permits to transport the crane.
Want To Become a Certified Crane Operator?
Calculating the proper lifting capacity of a crane is crucial in ensuring maximum efficiency and worker safety throughout the job. It’s a part of crane operator training that helps you prepare for the task at hand and get the job done in no time. This is a step that cannot be skipped, as it could put you and others on the job at risk.
If you want to become a crane operator, consider Heavy Equipment Colleges of America (HEC). We offer extensive certification programs for all types of heavy equipment, including tower cranes and mobile cranes.
Get in touch with one of our admissions advisors to go over the application process and find a program that’s right for you. Our team is more than happy to help every step of the way and get you on track to becoming a certified crane operator.
