Load Chart Crane [new] Jun 2026
: Higher angles typically allow for more weight, but tighter margins.
The chart will also specify areas where lifting is :
A crane's load chart is essentially its "legal and safety passport," serving as the definitive guide to what the machine can and cannot do. It is far from just a boring table of numbers; it is the thin line between a successful lift and a catastrophic structural failure or tip-over. Why Every Operator Swears by It
A typical load chart is organized into a grid that correlates various physical measurements to arrive at a "rated capacity". Understanding Load Charts and Capacity Calculations
Find "35 ft radius" on the left column. Step 2: Follow the row to the "60 ft boom" column. Step 3: Read the value (e.g., 20,000 lbs). Step 4: Subtract rigging weight (1,500 lbs hook + 500 lbs slings = 2,000 lbs). Step 5: Net capacity = 18,000 lbs. Decision: 12,000 lbs < 18,000 lbs → Safe lift.
Failing to consult a load chart is, as the saying goes, "planning to fail". Whether you are looking at a classic printed manual or modern digital lifting apps , treating this document as an authoritative legal standard is the only way to ensure worksite integrity.
: Before a crane is even rented or transported, these charts are used to determine if the machine is actually right for the job. Key Sections to "Review" Before a Lift
: The distance from the center of rotation to the load.
The load chart is the single most important legal and safety document inside a crane cab. It provides the the crane can lift under specific configurations. Never operate a crane without the specific load chart for that serial number and configuration.
A crane’s capacity is a fixed number. It changes based on these five variables, which are all listed on the chart:
A typical load chart crane includes the following information: