How to Choose a Crane for a Lift in Saudi Arabia
Capacity on the crane's nameplate is not the capacity you get on site. Here is how to work from the load chart to the right machine.
Start with the real load
Add the weight of rigging to the load. In heavy lifts the slings, shackles and spreader beams can weigh tens of tonnes, and the crane has to lift all of it.
Check capacity at your radius
Capacity drops fast as the load moves out. A 100 t crane that lifts 100 t at 10 m may handle only about 20 t at 30 m. Always read the load chart at the radius where you pick and where you set down.
Longer boom, lower capacity
Longer booms add reach but reduce lifting power. Higher boom angles generally allow heavier loads at shorter radii.
Ground and outriggers
Soft, uneven or sloped ground reduces safe capacity. A mobile crane working on rubber instead of outriggers can lose 50% or more of its capacity. Spread outrigger loads with mats or pads and confirm ground bearing before the crane arrives.
Mind the sling angle
Shallow sling angles raise the force in each sling sharply. At 15 degrees from horizontal the force can be more than 190% higher than a vertical lift, so the slings and the crane both see a bigger load.
Wind and safety margins
Standard gear often needs work to stop at wind speeds of roughly 20 to 25 mph (about 32 to 40 km/h). Treat the load chart as an upper limit, and allow for dynamic loads and swing.
What to send us for a crane quote
- Load weight and rigging weight
- Pick and set-down radius
- Lift height and obstacles
- Ground type and access route
- Which roles you supply: operator, rigger, banksman, appointed person
Need equipment?
Call us or send a quote request. Our team helps you choose the right machine and size before you commit.