3 Factors That Affect the Maximum Reach of a Mobile Crane
Crane Safety, Mobile Cranes | Aug 18 / 22
When it comes to mobile crane safety, it is crucial for every worker involved with a lift to understand the capabilities and limitations of the crane they are using. While lift capacity is an undoubtedly important specification to account for, it is equally important to know what the maximum reach of your crane is. As a leading provider of mobile crane rentals for various industries, the team at TNT Crane & Rigging knows that crane specifications such as maximum reach can change based on a variety of factors. That is why we have compiled a list of 3 factors that affect the maximum reach of a mobile crane to help you understand what to consider for each lift.
Learn how to choose the right mobile crane for your project.
What affects the Maximum Reach of a Mobile Crane?
Though every mobile crane has a rated weight capacity and maximum reach provided by the manufacturer, several factors can affect these numbers. The most prominent factors include:
1. The Weight of the Load
Weight capacity has a significant impact on the maximum reach of a mobile crane and vice versa. The total weight/lift capacity of most mobile cranes is highest near the mast or main body. As loads travel further away from the body, this weight capacity decreases in proportion to the distance. Just as the weight capacity drops based on distance, the maximum reach of a mobile crane will be reduced based on the weight of the materials being lifted. Lighter loads can be lifted higher and further away, while heavier loads often need to be significantly closer to the main body of the crane for safe handling.
2. The Type of Crane
From hydraulic all-terrain cranes and picker trucks to rough-terrain cranes and crawler cranes, there are many types of mobile cranes available. While some similarities exist between each type, maximum reach and lift capacity can vary drastically from type to type. For example, a crawler crane can offer up to 300’ of boom and an additional 300’ of jib extensions while all-terrain cranes offer up to 197’ of reach height.
3. Environmental & Weather Conditions
While they are sometimes overlooked, weather conditions and the terrain you operate on can have a substantial impact on the maximum reach of your crane. For example, if it is raining, it is often safer to keep the load closer to the main body of the crane. Alternatively, if the crane is on a hard and level surface, it will be able to lift heavier loads to greater heights. These capacities will likely be reduced on surfaces such as mud or loose gravel even with the use of outriggers, so it is important to account for this in your lift plan.
To learn more about our selection of mobile crane rentals or to discuss the details of your project, get in touch with the team at TNT Crane & Rigging. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to help you choose the ideal crane rental for your project requirements.
When it comes to mobile crane safety, it is crucial for every worker involved with a lift to understand the capabilities and limitations of the crane they are using. While lift capacity is an undoubtedly important specification to account for, it is equally important to know what the maximum reach of your crane is. As a leading provider of mobile crane rentals for various industries, the team at TNT Crane & Rigging knows that crane specifications such as maximum reach can change based on a variety of factors. That is why we have compiled a list of 3 factors that affect the maximum reach of a mobile crane to help you understand what to consider for each lift.
Learn how to choose the right mobile crane for your project.
What affects the Maximum Reach of a Mobile Crane?
Though every mobile crane has a rated weight capacity and maximum reach provided by the manufacturer, several factors can affect these numbers. The most prominent factors include:
1. The Weight of the Load
Weight capacity has a significant impact on the maximum reach of a mobile crane and vice versa. The total weight/lift capacity of most mobile cranes is highest near the mast or main body. As loads travel further away from the body, this weight capacity decreases in proportion to the distance. Just as the weight capacity drops based on distance, the maximum reach of a mobile crane will be reduced based on the weight of the materials being lifted. Lighter loads can be lifted higher and further away, while heavier loads often need to be significantly closer to the main body of the crane for safe handling.
2. The Type of Crane
From hydraulic all-terrain cranes and picker trucks to rough-terrain cranes and crawler cranes, there are many types of mobile cranes available. While some similarities exist between each type, maximum reach and lift capacity can vary drastically from type to type. For example, a crawler crane can offer up to 300’ of boom and an additional 300’ of jib extensions while all-terrain cranes offer up to 197’ of reach height.
3. Environmental & Weather Conditions
While they are sometimes overlooked, weather conditions and the terrain you operate on can have a substantial impact on the maximum reach of your crane. For example, if it is raining, it is often safer to keep the load closer to the main body of the crane. Alternatively, if the crane is on a hard and level surface, it will be able to lift heavier loads to greater heights. These capacities will likely be reduced on surfaces such as mud or loose gravel even with the use of outriggers, so it is important to account for this in your lift plan.
To learn more about our selection of mobile crane rentals or to discuss the details of your project, get in touch with the team at TNT Crane & Rigging. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to help you choose the ideal crane rental for your project requirements.
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