Crane knowledge: Crane Basic Concepts and Terms

1. Crane lifting capacity

Crane rated lifting capacity: The maximum weight the crane is required to lift, including the weight of the loads, lifting devices or the loads dealing devices, such as, hooks, crane grab, electric magnetics, equalizing beam, etc.
Effective lifting capacity: The net maximum weight of the loads the crane is required to lift.

Note to crane lifting capacity:

• Hook crane. The maximum lifting capacity of hook crane usually refers to the maximum weight of loads under the hook.
• Electromagnetic crane. The maximum lifting capacity of electromagnetic crane usually refers to the maximum weight of loads and the weight of the electromagnetic together.
• grab crane: The maximum lifting capacity of grab crane usually includes the maximum weight of loads and the weight of the grab.
•  Double trolley crane. It is important to confirm with the client about the total lifting capacity of the two trolleys and the each trolley.

2. Span

Cane span refers to the horizontal distance between crane rails on which the crane is supported and which the crane is to travel.

3. Lifting height

 Lifting or hook height: The vertical distance from crane hook to the floor, which is marked as H in the following crane picture. The crane lifting or hook height determines the height of crane runway from the floor and is subjected to the clear inside height of the building.