Basic Crane
Operations
Crane Types and Their Applications
• Mobile Cranes
• Tower Cranes
• Offshore Cranes
Tower Crane
Mobile Crane
Crawler Crane
Offshore Pedestal Crane
Pedestal mounted
knuckle boom
Types of cranes
Mobile
Crawler Mounted
Stationary
Tyre Mounted
Mechanical
(TFC 280)
Hydraulic
(AM.11320)
Lattice
Boom
Overhead
(EOT ,Gantry)
Pedestal
Pole
mounted
(Jib Crane)
Telescopic Boom
Rough terrain (TIL RT 740B)
All Terrain
Truck Mounted (TIL 830 , AC 1600)
Jib Crane
• Crane – Consists of a rotating structure for lifting and
lowering horizontally.
• Hoist - Used to lift and lower load.
• Boom – An inclined spar, strut, or other long member
supporting the hoisting tackle
• Boom stops – A device used to limit the angle of the
boom at its highest position
• Brake – To slow or stop motion by friction or power
• Block – Sheaves or grooved pulleys in a frame with hook,
eye and strap
• Jib – Extension attached to the boom point to provide
added boom length for lifting specified loads.
Offshore Pedestal Crane
•
Auxiliary (whip line or fast line): the secondary rope
system capable of lifting a lower capacity than the
main block
•
Boom: connected to the upper structure and supports
the hoist tackle
•
Boom hoist: raises and lowers the boom
•
Boom suspension: the collection of wire ropes,
sheaves, shaft block and other rigging components
used to support the boom
•
Cab: where the operator maneuvers the crane's
controls
•
Gantry: a frame to which the boom support ropes are
reeved
•
Kingpost: connects to the platform and is the
centerline of rotation for the upper structure
•
Pedestal: the substructure the upper structure is
mounted on
•
Revolving superstructure: the rotating frame structure
and the operating machinery mounted
O
M
BOOM LENGTH
HEIGHT
LOAD
EG
VAO
LT
AS
RIL-1
RADIUS
Fulcrum
AXIS OF ROTATION
Definitions
1. Radius:
• Radius is the horizontal ground distance from the crane's rotation center
to the load's vertical gravity center.
2. Boom Length:
• The main boom's length is measured from the pivot to the topmost point.
3. Boom Angle:
• This is the main boom's tilt measured against the horizontal.
4. Boom Point Height:
• The height from the boom's top point straight down to the ground.
Definitions
5. Load Chart:
• A load chart shows a crane's lifting capacity at various radii, boom
lengths, and angles.
6. Rated Capacity:
• The rated capacity is the max weight a crane can lift at a specific radius,
considering stability and structural limits.
7. Maximum capacity of Crane:
• A crane's maximum capacity is at its shortest radius and shortest boom
length, defining its overall capability. For instance, a 20 MT crane lifts 20
MT at its smallest radius and boom length, as does a 500 MT crane with
500 MT.
Crane movements
Vertical movement
Derricking or luffing
Swing or slewing function
The load that a crane can lift depends
upon two or more of the following points:
1. How big is it ?
2. How heavy is it ?
3. How strong is it ? (structurally)
4. How much power is available ?
Factors Affecting Stability
1. Deadweight:
• Weight excluding load.
• Counterweights for balance.
2. Stability Base:
• Crane's ground contact area.
• Mobile cranes: "square base".
• Truck cranes: Extended = "blocked".
Outriggers extended
3. Centre of Gravity (C of G):
• Object's balance point.
• Must be supported for stability.
• Can shift with load or radius
changes.
Stable: No risk of
tipping.
Unstable: Near tipping
point.
Leverage
3
Safe Working Load
The SWL (safe working load) of a boom crane is the load that
the crane can lift safely under any conditions (combination)
of boom length and radius.
Safe working loads are also known as:
• Duties
• Capacities
• Ratings
• Rated loads
Static and Dynamic Loads
•
A static load on a crane means that the effect of the load on the
machine never becomes greater that the weight of the load.
•
A dynamic load is one where the effect of the load on the crane is
more than the actual weight of the load
o The most common cause of this potentially
dangerous situation is when the load comes
onto the crane suddenly.
o Basically, slings should be brought under
tension as slowly as possible.
Crane Operating Limitation
• Guide for crane operators on max lift
weight at varying boom lengths and
angles.
• Considers load radius, boom deflection,
and counterweight requirements.
• Load charts mandated by OSHA.
• Proper training necessary for effective
use.
Load Chart
Lifting operations out with the load chart are NOT permitted
under any circumstances.
Boom Deflection
• Refers to the bending of a boom
• Excessive weight, wind, and dynamic
loading.
Operating Procedures
1. Pre-Operation Inspection
3. Load Testing
• Initial Equipment Check
• Conduct Initial Tests
• Verify Safety Mechanisms
• Verify Load Limits
• Documentation
• Record Test Results
2. Lifting Plan Adherence
• Review Lifting Plan
• Compliance with Standards
• Operational Roles
Crane Operating Limitation
• Load Capacity - Weight limit to prevent tipping.
• Boom Length - Longer booms reduce stability.
• Boom Angle - Vertical lifts heavier loads.
• Wind Speed - Affects stability and capacity.
• Ground Conditions - Needs stable ground to prevent tipping.
Safety Tips While Operating Cranes
Load Limit Compliance
• Never exceed the crane's maximum load capacity, as
specified by the manufacturer.
Situational Awareness
• Always be aware of your surroundings, including
people, equipment, and environmental factors.
Emergency Procedures
•
Familiarize yourself with emergency shutdowns and
quick-release mechanisms