How To Read A Crane Rental Load Chart: An Indepth Guide

When planning for crane rental, crane load charts play an important role. Knowing how to read a crane load chart can help you choose the right crane for the job and build a load plan that works best for your crane. At General Steel Crane & Rigging, we can help you navigate the load charts of each crane you consider and cover the load capacity of your chosen cranes in great detail.

Let’s take a closer look at the meaning behind each crane load chart.

What Is a Crane Load Chart

A crane load chart is a list of key specifications provided for every crane. It is designed to clearly represent a crane’s capacity for lift and movement. Those who know how to read a load chart for cranes can tell a crane’s general size and shape by the load chart stats alone.

What’s the best way to determine the load capacity of a crane? It’s clearly stated in the load chart.

Practical Tips for Understanding a Load Chart

• Compare the load charts of different cranes
• Examine load chart diagrams to understand how each metric applies
• Consult on detractors like weather, site conditions, and accessories

Safety

Understanding the load chart will ensure the safety and efficiency of your project. This will help you plan loads and lifts that ensure safety at every stage based on the tasks and present conditions.

Understanding Key Concepts in a Crane Load Chart

Crane load charts typically help you understand important features of the crane itself.

Dimensions and Weight

The crane load chart may indicate the dimensions (physical size and shape) of the loads the crane can lift and the total weight it can heft in its typical configuration.

Lift Capacity

Lift capacity indicates how much the crane can lift. Capacity can change based on conditions and the crane’s configuration.

Lift Range

The lift range represents the distance and height at which a load can be moved.

Lift Angle

The lift angle indicates the total swivel angle from the center at which a crane can safely move a load. Angles beyond the lift or boom angle may cause the crane to become off-balance.

Reading Crane Load Charts

The best way to read a crane loading chart is to understand what each metric means. From there, you can determine how the chart and its numbers reflect the design of a cane and what it can do.

Maximum Load Capacity

The maximum load capacity is the absolute total weight that a crane can lift. When calculating the max capacity for a lift, remember to add accessories and equipment that are part of the crane assembly to the load.

Boom Length

The boom length is the total length of the crane’s arm. Boom length is sometimes fixed and can sometimes be adjusted, but it always determines the total lift capacity of a crane.

Lifting Radius

The lifting radius is the horizontal angle from the center of the crane to the maximum lift angle.

Boom Angle

The boom angle is the angle between the boom arm and the ground. It determines the horizontal or vertical reach and strength of the crane.

Counterweights

Counterweights are the weights used to balance the crane during lifts. The design and specs can influence the crane’s lifting capacity.

Outrigger Positioning

Outrigger positioning indicates the best way to configure the crane for each lift. Many cranes have adjustable boom settings such as extension and height.

Get Crane & Rigging Solutions 

When you work with General Steel Crane & Rigging, you will never have to guess how to read a crane load chart.

Our experts will walk you through crane specs and the needs of your project to find the right crane for every application. Contact us to learn more about comparing cranes using the crane load chart to get the best results from your crane rental.

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