Crane Types

Notes on reading duty charts & crane selection

This section contains duty charts from a number of different manufacturers, however they all work in the same manner. Boom lengths are listed at the top of the columns and radii from the centre of the crane are noted at the side.

In order to establish a crane's safe working load (SWL) you simply read the duty where the boom length you require intersects the appropriate radius.

Before you do this however, you will need to establish a number of other factors:

Ground Conditions: Is the ground solid or even enough to support a crane in transit or when fully rigged. Check for manhole covers, cellars, buried services etc.
Site Layout Is there sufficient space for the relevant crane to manoeuvre and set up on site.
Height of lift: What length of boom will you require.
Remember to allow for the distance from the head of the boom to the bottom of the hook block or tackle. Electricity Cables: Never work too near electricity cables.

Please remember that this information is a rough guide only.
If you have any questions or you are involved in a difficult operation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We can give you extensive guidance either over the phone or arrange a site visit if you wish.