Crane Load Charts and Capacity
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Talking points
- The load chart must be in the cab and readily accessible to the operator at all times. It specifies the rated capacity for every combination of boom length, radius, and configuration.
- Capacity decreases as the radius increases. A crane rated for 50 tons at 20-foot radius may only be rated for 10 tons at 80 feet — always check the chart.
- The total load includes the weight of the object PLUS the rigging, block, and ball. Forgetting to account for rigging weight has caused overloads.
- Use 75% of rated capacity as the planning threshold. This provides a margin for wind, dynamic loading, and measurement uncertainty.
- If the LMI (load moment indicator) alarms, stop the lift immediately. Do not override the LMI — it exists to prevent tip-over and structural failure.
Ask the crew
What is the heaviest pick planned for today — and have we verified it against the load chart for the planned radius?
Standards this talk is built on
A toolbox talk is a short safety briefing. It supports the training a standard requires; it does not replace it.
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Sign-in sheet
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| Name | Signature | Date |
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