Avoid Crane Part Failures: How to Read a Crane Load Chart
Just like other high-pressure occupations, using cranes requires preparation before starting. One primary duty in this area is making sure to check the crane load chart and the included footnotes. Otherwise, obtaining replacement crane parts might be the least of your worries.
The person consulting the crane load chart should know what to look for and then determine if the crane can handle the needs of that company. With the wide number of crane manufacturers, key differences exist.
Different Options With Gross Capacity
When it comes to determining a crane’s gross capacity, you have two options. Either combine the boom length and operating radius or match the boom angle with either of the previous items. When the jib is stowed at the boom’s base for that boom length, you’re able to obtain the stowed jib deductions.
Needed Familiarity on Net and Jib Capacity
It’s important to remember that net capacity should always be the determining number when it comes to the maximum load lifted. To get this number, the following capacity deductions are required, with different manufacturer differences to consider.
These are: weight of the load, weight of all hanging cable and rigging, weight of the headache ball and main load block, along with the jib’s effective weight. That weight is based on whether or not a 24 or 40-foot jib is being used, though that term may also be known as a boom or fly.
Range Diagram
Using the range diagram is beneficial when trying to determine the necessary boom length. The boom angles can be determined by the angled lines, while the load radius can be seen by the vertical lines. The tip height of the boom is found in the horizontal lines and jib length by the arched sections. Finally, the indicated caution area is the forbidden zone.
Dimensions and Line Pull
Each crane company offers the dimensions for working in tight constraints and travel considerations. After checking these capabilities on the crane load chart, it’s best to determine the line pull of the hoist drum. That means figuring out which wire rope and the parts of line being used, which are found in the winch data chart. The more drum wraps, the slower the line pull, though the line speed improves.
The safety concern connected to the area of operation is to create awareness of where handling loads are forbidden. Again, each manufacturer may be different when it comes to the diagram involved.
Extensions and Counterweights
When a crane’s stance is wide, its stability improves a great deal, though that might not be possible when working in a confined area. Depending on the manufacturer, the extension can be determined by consulting a capacity chart. Looking at the tipping axis is also a litmus test for determining the width of that stance.
For crane parts like counterweights, they may be standard issue or variable in nature. The more counterweight available, the greater the capacity.
The Best Choice
Craneco Parts & Supply offers crane parts from American Hoist, Galion, Genie, Grove, Manlift, Koehring, Line-Belt, Lorain, Manitowoc, P & H and Terex. With that wide availability and a knowledgeable staff, Craneco is the choice for crane professionals. Contact us today.
