Charts assume the crane is on firm, level ground. A tilt of even a few degrees can cause a massive side-load on the boom, potentially leading to a collapse even if the weight is within "chart limits." 4. Wind Speed
By understanding and using crane load charts effectively, you can ensure safe and efficient lifting operations, preventing accidents and reducing the risk of damage to the crane, load, and surrounding structures.
For mobile cranes, capacity is drastically different depending on whether outriggers are fully extended, mid-extended, or retracted. Most modern charts provide specific tables for each configuration. 3. Surface Conditions crane load charts
A crane's stability changes depending on whether it is lifting over the front, rear, or side. Charts often specify different capacities for these different "zones." 2. Outrigger Position
“Still under,” Manny said.
Ray held up the load chart against the window and tapped the warning one last time. Then he gave a thumbs down— not for lack of capacity, but for lack of respect.
To read a load chart correctly, you must understand the core variables that dictate lifting capacity: Charts assume the crane is on firm, level ground
Ray didn’t answer. He pulled the laminated from its clip beside the window. The paper was soft and smudged from years of use. He ran his finger down the column: 80 ft radius, 120 ft boom, on outriggers fully extended . 48,000 lbs capacity.