Whether you’re a site engineer, a safety officer, or just stepping into the crane industry, understanding a crane load chart can save you from major mistakes. It’s not just about lifting weight—it’s about lifting it safely and smartly. Especially when you’re dealing with heavy-duty cranes from a trusted EOT crane manufacturer in Gujarat, reading a load chart properly becomes non-negotiable.
Let’s break it down, step by step, in simple terms.
What Is a Crane Load Chart?
In plain words, a crane load chart is like a map that tells you how much weight your crane can lift safely at different boom lengths, angles, and radii. Every crane—from mobile to tower, crawler to EOT (Electric Overhead Travelling) cranes—has its own chart, based on its design and limits.
In India, especially in industrial hubs like Gujarat, many manufacturers provide detailed load charts with every crane, following BIS and international safety standards.
Types of Cranes and Their Load Charts
Each crane has a different load chart. For example:
- Mobile Crane Load Chart – Shows capacity based on boom extension and angle.
- Tower Crane Load Chart – Focuses on jib length and counterweights.
- Crawler Crane Load Chart – Factors in track position and ground condition.
- EOT Crane Load Chart – Shows how much load it can handle based on span, hoist type, and travel speed.
If you’re buying from a leading EOT crane manufacturer in Gujarat, ask for the digital and printed version of the chart—they usually provide both.
Components of a Crane Load Chart
Here’s what you’ll commonly see:
- Boom Length
- Load Radius (horizontal distance from crane centre to load)
- Lift Angle
- Rated Load Capacity
- Counterweight Details
- Parts of Line (number of ropes holding the load)
- Stability and Structural Limits
These numbers may seem confusing at first, but trust me—once you get the hang of it, they’re easy to interpret.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reading a Load Chart
Let’s go through it like a real-life scenario.
Step 1: Know Your Crane
Let’s say you have a 5-ton EOT crane with a 10-metre span. The manufacturer (say from Gujarat) will give you a load chart showing capacity at different spans and hoisting speeds.
Step 2: Identify the Boom/Span Length
Check how long the crane’s bridge is. Longer spans mean reduced capacity at ends unless the structure supports it.
Step 3: Determine Load Radius
Especially for mobile or tower cranes—more the distance from the crane base, less the capacity.
Step 4: Match Load with Chart
If your load is 3 tons and your crane can handle 5 tons at that radius and angle—you’re good.
Step 5: Don’t Forget Accessories
Reduce the weight of lifting tackle (like slings, hooks) from the crane’s total capacity.
Step 6: Stay in the Safe Zone
Always aim to lift 80–85% of the rated capacity. Never go full 100% unless it’s an emergency.
Understanding Load Radius and Its Impact
A small difference in radius can mean a huge drop in capacity. For example, in many 10-ton cranes, increasing the load radius from 3m to 6m can reduce capacity by nearly 40–50%.
That’s why many Indian companies using EOT cranes in warehouses or workshops prefer fixed setups to avoid misjudging radius and angles.
Boom Length & Angle: Interpreting the Graph
In mobile and tower cranes, a higher angle means a more vertical lift, so the crane can handle more load. Lower angles (like 45°) mean more horizontal reach and less capacity.
EOT cranes don’t have boom angles, but span and hook height play a similar role in structural capacity.
How Counterweights Affect Load Capacity
Counterweights balance the crane when it lifts loads. Many Indian cranes come with removable counterweights.
If your chart says 10-ton lifting is only possible with full counterweight, don’t risk it with partial ones. Accidents in Gujarat and Maharashtra have been reported due to this negligence.
Load Charts for Outrigger vs Crawler Cranes
- Outriggers (in mobile cranes) help increase stability.
- Crawler cranes have load charts showing different positions of their tracks.
These technicalities are not present in EOT cranes but are important if you're managing a mixed fleet in your plant.
Safety Margins & Overload Risks
According to the Indian Standard IS 4573, every crane should have at least 25% safety margin between actual load and capacity.
Fun fact: Over 60% of crane-related mishaps in India are due to overloading or wrong load chart interpretation. That’s why most good manufacturers now offer load moment indicators (LMI) and digital sensors.
Real-World Example (Gujarat-Based Case)
A textile unit in Surat used a 3-ton EOT crane for lifting dye rolls. The actual roll plus tackle weight was 3.2 tons. The operator went ahead anyway. The result? Gearbox damage and one-month production delay.
Later, they upgraded to a 5-ton crane from a top EOT crane manufacturer in Gujarat, and the issue was solved. Lesson learned: Always check your load chart!
Digital Tools & Apps
Nowadays, you have free and paid mobile apps to simulate crane load charts. Popular apps include:
- Crane Bee
- Liebherr Load Chart Viewer
- Crane Simulator 3D
Many Indian manufacturers also offer digital PDF charts and some even integrate them into touchscreen panels on EOT cranes.
FAQs on Crane Load Charts
🔸 Can I use one chart for different models?
No, every crane has a unique chart based on its build.
🔸 Do EOT cranes have charts?
Yes, especially for custom builds. Always get the updated version from your supplier.
🔸 Is overloading okay if the crane "feels stable"?
Absolutely not! Trust the chart, not your instincts.
Conclusion
If you’re dealing with cranes in India—whether it’s on a construction site or inside a warehouse—reading the load chart is a skill you must learn. It’s not rocket science, but it does need patience, attention to detail, and a little practice.
And if you're planning to buy one, make sure you go for a trusted EOT crane manufacturer in Gujarat who provides detailed, easy-to-understand load charts along with proper training. It’s not just about lifting a load—it’s about lifting it right!
