How To Read a Load Chart | Crane Load Charts | How to Use a Load Chart

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How to read a Crane Load Chart

Load Chart Explanation | Calculate Net Capacity | Jib Capacities | Crane Dimensions | Determining Line Pull | Area of Operation| Range Diagrams
| Foot Notes | Outrigger Extension | Counterweights | Structural vs. Stability
A crane's load chart is the most important resource a crane operator should know for ensuring crane safety, and for determining what a particular crane
is capable of lifting. With all of the different crane manufacturers out there, it is imperative that the crane's load chart be well understood. Whether you
are operating a boom truck such as a Terex, National, Manitex, Pioneer, or Altec, a rough terrain crane such as a Grove, Link-Belt, Manitowoc, Kato, or
Tadano, it is important to keep in mind that though many cranes have similarities in their load charts, they also have many differences. Ignoring these
differences may lead to the overturning or structural failure of the crane.

Load Chart Explanation

This chart illustrates the gross or rated capacities of a

crane.
The numbers on top row represent boom lengths of the
crane
The numbers in the left column represent operating
radius
Loaded boom angle (means the boom's angle and radius
is being measured with the boom loaded with the weight
indicated in the chart)
The gross capacity of this crane can be determined by
either following the radius column and interesting boom
length, or following the boom angle column and
intersecting the radius or boom length column.
The "Stowed jib deductions" row is what you would
deduct if the jib was stowed on the base of the boom for
the particular boom length.

Gross Capacity Versus Net Capacity

The capacities listed in a cranes load chart are not the actual loads that can be lifted on the hook.
The values given in the charts are "Gross Capacities" or "Rated Capacities". The actual load the crane can lift is referred to as the "Net Capacity". The
maximum load must never exceed the crane's Net Capacity!
The Gross Capacity must include the weight of anything and everything that is mounted or stowed on the boom of the crane or hanging from the boom
tip.
These are called "Capacity Deductions".
Capacity Deductions:
Weight of the main load block

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How To Read a Load Chart | Crane Load Charts | How to Use a Load Chart

Weight of the Headache ball or overhaul ball

Effective weight of Jib (Stowed or erected and not used)
Weight of all hanging cable
Weight of all rigging
Weight of Load

Remember there are many variations, depending on the manufacturer of the crane. Make sure to understand what the manufacturer determines are
capacity deductions.

GROSS CAPACITY - CAPACITY DEDUCTIONS = NET CAPACITY

The following are an example of capacity deductions in the cranes load chart.These items represent the
amount of weight you would deduct from the gross capacity to determine the net capacity.

Jib Capacities

The gross capacities in the crane chart below are to be used when lifting with either the 24ft or 40 ft jib. By selecting the jib and the boom angle you will
be able to determine the gross capacity lifting on the jib.

Whether you are using a Grove load chart, a Terex load chart or a Link Belt load chart you might see
different terms used for the boom extension. Manufacturers refers to the pinned boom extension on
their crane chart as a jib, fly, or boom extensions. These are pretty much the same things, they just
could not agree on a name. This crane load chart on the left is a typical load chart for a Link Belt to
use when you are lifting with the fly. Even though these important items for cranes have many other
uses, keep in mind the primary purpose of a jib, fly, or a boom extension is to increase the overall
height a load may be lifted.

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How To Read a Load Chart | Crane Load Charts | How to Use a Load Chart

Dimensions

The illustration below shows the dimensions of the crane, this type of information would be necessary for transportation purposes and for setting the
crane up in tight areas.

Line pull

The amount of rope a drum will hoist for a given layer.

This illustration represents the available line pull and maximum winch speed for
the crane.
To determine the available line pull first determine the type of wire rope being
used, then how many parts of line.
Intersect the two columns and you will get the available line pull on the crane.
This chart takes into consideration both the line pull of the hoist drum of the
crane and the safe working load of the wire rope. Some load charts include the
available line pull for each layer of wire rope.
As wraps on the drum increase, the line speed will increase -however available
line pull decreases.

Area of Operation

Item Required by ANSI B30.5-1.1.3 Load Rating Chart and OSHA 1926.1433. The work area diagram
(chart) identifies operational quadrants and must clearly indicate the areas where no load is to be handled.
This chart also shows how the manufacturer separates the different working areas of the crane. It is always
necessary to get familiarized with the specific load charts of the crane prior to operating, since each work
area diagram is specific to the crane model and mounting configuration.
Examples of different working area diagrams are shown below:

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How To Read a Load Chart | Crane Load Charts | How to Use a Load Chart

Range Diagram

These diagrams assist a crane operator in determining the most appropriate configuration
and positioning of the crane.This diagram will show the boom length needed to pick up
and lift a load. The range diagram is also helpful when setting up near structures. When
deductions for the wire rope are required, a good place in the load chart to assist in
making calculations for this would be the working range diagram.
The working range diagram to the right is separated into:
Load radius (vertical lines)
Boom tip height (horizontal lines)
Boom jib length (arched sections)
Boom angles (angled lines)
Caution area (prohibited area)

Load Chart Foot Notes

The foot notes in a load chart must also be understood prior to operating the
crane. Each cranes load chart will have specific foot notes pertinent to the
particular crane type that must be taken into account to ensure the safe
operation of the crane.

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How To Read a Load Chart | Crane Load Charts | How to Use a Load Chart

Outrigger / Crawler Extension

Many cranes have load charts that only have capacities listed for operations on outriggers fully
extended and set. However, this particular crane chart has an option of lifting:

On tires
Outriggers fully retracted
Outriggers fully extended
Outriggers intermediate extended

Using less than fully extended outriggers can be essential in confined spaces. However, the
crane will be substantially less stable. The wider the crane's stance, the further to the tipping axis,
the more stable the crane. Some crawler cranes have the ability to extend their tracks and widen
their stance to improve the stability of the crane when working over the sides

CAPACITY CHART RATING BASED ON PERCENTAGE OF TIPPING

TYPE OF CRANE

LOCOMOTIVE

85%

CRAWLERS

75%

MOBILES ON ROUGH TERRAIN

on outriggers

85%

on tires

75%

COMMERCIAL BOOM TRUCKS

on stabilizers

85%

*Check your crane. Above percentages not used by all manufacturers

Counterweights

Some crawler crane load charts also have different capacities for crawlers retracted and crawlers
extended. Like outriggers the farther the tipping axis the more stability.
Many cranes especially boom trucks do not come equipped with a counterweight. Some cranes come
with a standard counterweight. However, some cranes load charts such as this Link Belt mobile crane
have variable counterweight configurations. This allows the carrier to travel with a lighter load to comply
with weight restrictions on public roads by not hauling the extra weight around. Or work in places such
as bridges where the extra weight of the crane is a factor. More counterweight will give you more
capacity. For the sake of crane safety operating a crane over the side without the outriggers properly
extended can lead to loss of backward stability with the counterweights installed.

Stability (Tipping) vs. Structural Strength

TIPPING CAPACITY / STABILITY

This limit is based on stability of crane or the weight necessary to tip the crane over. Tipping capacities are below the bold lineIt is of the utmost

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How To Read a Load Chart | Crane Load Charts | How to Use a Load Chart

importance to determine which limit you are using. Each load chart will have a way distinguish the difference between the two.

STRUCTURAL STRENGTH
This limit is based on actual strength of material, boom, jib, etc. Structural capacities in a load chart are distinguished by:
Shaded area, above a bold line, in bold type or marked with an asterisk *

FACTORS THAT REDUCE LOAD CAPACITIES PRODUCTION OPERATIONS

Full load chart ratings may not apply when certain operations are being done:
Pouring Concrete
Steel Erection
Dragline, magnet, and clamshell work, etc.

SWING RATE:
Starting and stopping the swing to rapidly and will cause a side loading condition
INCREASE IN LOAD RADIUS:
When load is applied the boom deflection will cause the load to drift away from the crane, increasing load radius

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How To Read a Load Chart | Crane Load Charts | How to Use a Load Chart

SIDE LOADING:
Crane booms are designed for maximum strength downward not to the side. This is strictly forbidden by the manufacturer.
UNLEVEL CRANE:
All load charts are based on firm level ground, Below is an example of possible capacity loss due to crane being unlevel

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