Cranes and Hoists are essential equipment for every business that needs to lift, suspend, and transport inventory or cargo for assembly, inspection, shipping, or warehousing. Because each piece of equipment performs multiple functions, operators and supervisors must understand the load charts for all of them. 

At Protek Crane Solutions, we provide crane and hoist load charts for every item we sell and ensure our customers understand them. If you have a crane or hoist from another company or purchased at a liquidation auction, here is a guide to help with the load charts for the equipment you have and use now: 

First, you need to know what each term means on the charts. 

• Crane Model: Basic information (Name, Product Number) of the crane you’re about to operate.
• Boom Length: Total length of the crane’s boom while in operation.
• Load Angle: Boom angle while in operation.
• Load Radius: Distance between the workload’s center of gravity and the crane’s center of rotation.
• Lift Capacity: Maximum load this crane can safely lift under regular operation.
• Counterweight: Amount of weight needed to balance this crane while lifting and moving workloads.

Next, read through the load chart to familiarize yourself with each step before you begin operating the crane.

• Identify Your Crane Model: A manual can carry load charts for multiple crane models. Make sure you have the correct chart.
• Cross-Check Load Capacity: Determine the weight of your workload to avoid exceeding listed capacity limits for routine operations.
• Know Workload Boom Requirements: Determine where it should be positioned relative to the crane boom (load angle) and the needed distance (load radius).

These are the key points to know for proper operation, but there are other steps to keep employees safe and your crane or hoist running smoothly. 

• Plan Ahead: As your business grows, so do your requirements. A change of or expansion to facilities requires moving equipment. Maintain and use load charts for workspace relocation to best use every square foot.
• Refresher Training: Keep all employees updated on their training and (where needed) certification to use load charts effectively.
• Regular Inspection and Maintenance: Protek teams follow the requirements for every crane and hoist to ensure uninterrupted operations without breaking your budget.

For specific information on each crane and hoist available in our inventory, call Protek Crane Solutions at 855-589-0343 today. To stay up-to-date on new additions and sales offers, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and X.