2-13
CRANE CAPACITY
Before lifting loads, the operator must read the Crane Capacity Chart and adhere to the load
capacities and radii of handling given. The information provided on this chart is based on
stability, structural strength, and hydraulic capacity.
To operate the crane safely, the operator must know the weight of the load and handling
devices, and the radius of the lifting operation. The crane must not be loaded beyond the
specifications of the capacity chart, except for test purposes as provided in ASME B30.5
Section 5-2.2. The person responsible for the lift must be sure that the load does not exceed
the crane ratings at any radius, at which the load may be during the entire lifting operation. The
weights of the hooks, blocks, downhaul weights, slings, and other handling devices must be
added with the load.
The Rated Capacity Limiter on the crane is intended to assist the operator in estimating loads
& measuring load radii, and to alert the operator to impending overload conditions. The use of
the Rated Capacity Limiter does not replace the requirements of the preceding paragraph.
Verified weights and measured radii must take precedence over the Rated Capacity Limiter
readings. Please read the RCL Operation Manual.
The Rated Capacity Limiter displays a load, load radius, and boom angle that are obtained from
electronic calculations using readings from pressure, length, and angle sensors. These
readings cannot be exact and should be treated as estimates. In general, the smaller the load
and the higher the boom angle, the larger the percent of error. The electronic and mechanical
components cannot be 100% fail-safe. Do not consider the system as a substitute for good
judgment, training, experience, or accepted, safe operating practices. The operator is solely
responsible for operation of the crane. Setting the Rated Capacity Limiter for the configuration
of the crane is necessary before starting a lift. If incorrectly set, the system will not alert the
operator to an impending overload, possibly resulting in the loss of life or destruction of
property.
If the Rated Capacity Limiter is inoperative or malfunctioning, repair or recalibration of the unit
must be done as soon as reasonably possible. Also, the person responsible for lifts must
establish procedures for determining load weights & radii, and conduct the lifts according to the
second paragraph above.
The Rated Capacity Limiter is designed to stop crane functions that could cause an overload or
two-blocking. These are: BOOM LOWER, TELESCOPE EXTEND, HOIST, RAISE, SWING
LEFT and SWING RIGHT. Great care must be exercised when handling a load near capacity
or near a two-blocking condition. If the boom is being lowered or swung, the load will tend to
swing if the Rated Capacity Limiter stops the boom movement. If the load is moving too fast,
the sudden stopping by the system can cause dangerous load swinging, which can cause
death or injury to personnel or property damage by impact with the load, or by the crane
tipping.
W A R N I N G
The Rated Capacity Limiter can suddenly stop the BOOM LOWER and SWING functions,
causing the load to bounce or swing. Use great care when handling a load near capacity
limits or near a two-blocking condition.
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