How Much Can A Mobile Crane Lift?
Answering the question ‘how much can a crane lift?’ isn’t as simple as checking the crane rating, as there are a number of factors that contribute to the maximum lifting capacity of a crane for each lift, from controlled factors such as how far the boom is extended to uncontrollable factors such as inclement weather.
Mighty Cranes are the mobile crane hire experts in Brisbane. Our experienced team has performed a wide range of lifts, from small residential jobs to large construction projects. Call Mighty Cranes today on 0477 000 976 for all of your Brisbane crane hire needs.
How Much Can A Mobile Crane Lift?
Crane Rating
The first step to determining how much a mobile crane can lift is the crane rating. Every mobile crane is rated for a certain lifting capacity that should never be exceeded. Despite their compact size, mobile cranes come in a range of lifting capacities, with models capable of lifting over 1000 tonnes. However, most mobile cranes used in Australia have lifting capacities ranging from 20 to 500 tonnes.
The crane rating represents the maximum load that a crane can lift in optimal conditions and is just a starting point for determining how much a crane can lift.
Factors That Influence Crane Lifting Capacity
There are many factors to consider when determining the maximum weight a crane can hold during a lift, including hanging weight, boom extension, and weather conditions.
Hanging Weight
Calculating the weight of a load once lifted into the air is more than simply measuring its weight and mass on the ground. This is because when a load is lifted into the air, there are additional forces affecting the load, such as gravity and acceleration, that will influence its hanging weight.
Additionally, moving the load around once it has been lifted into the air adds more acceleration, as would any winds pushing on the load.
Boom Extension & Angle
Another factor to consider is the boom extension and the lifting angle. The angle of the lift is a big determining factor in the lifting capacity of the crane. When the load is moved further away from the center of the crane, its lifting capacity is reduced.
This means that when a crane’s boom is extended or lowered, the lifting capacity will be significantly less than the crane’s load rating.
Weather Conditions
Extreme weather conditions can also impact the lifting capacity of a crane. For example, cold weather can reduce the crane’s lifting capacity. This is because cold weather can cause components of the crane to become brittle and more likely to become damaged when lifting heavy loads.
Cranes operated in temperatures below freezing may have a reduced lifting capacity of around 25%, reduced by a further 15% in lower temperatures. In fact, it is not recommended to carry out any crane lifts in temperatures below freezing as the lifting capacity of the crane can be unpredictable. While hot weather won’t directly affect the lifting capacity of a crane, it can put extra strain on the crane requiring operators to monitor closely to ensure that no issues arise.
Strong winds and stormy weather can also reduce the lifting capacity of a crane, as a gust of strong wind can cause accidents when lifting loads close to the maximum lifting capacity. Similarly, heavy rain can saturate the load, increasing its weight which may cause an accident. It is also extremely dangerous to operate a mobile crane in a thunderstorm.
Mobile Crane vs. Tower Crane Lift Capacity
Most people assume that mobile cranes have a lower lifting capacity than tower cranes due to their compact size. Yet most tower cranes are only rated to lift around 20 tonnes, while mobile cranes have the potential to lift far greater loads. They are also superior in versatility and maneuverability when compared to tower cranes, making mobile cranes the optimal choice for a wide range of jobs, from residential air conditioning lifts to lifting and shifting construction materials.
However, tower cranes can be built to reach much greater heights than mobile cranes, which is why they are often used on high rise developments.
Mobile Crane Hire Brisbane
Mighty Cranes has a versatile fleet of mobile cranes with varying lifting capacities suitable for use in both commercial and domestic lifts. From our compact and maneuverable Franna crane to our rough terrain and all terrain cranes, whatever your lifting needs, Mighty Cranes has the solution.
The Mighty Cranes difference is the amount of planning that we put into every lift to ensure that your next job is completed on time and within budget. Our experienced team of crane operators are on call 24/7 for quick response and emergency crane hire when you need it.
If you’re looking for reliable mobile crane hire in Brisbane at a competitive price, Might
