🧮 How to Calculate the Right Crane Size for Your Project
Spoiler: bigger isn’t always better — it’s about the right lift 🚛📏
Mobile cranes come in all shapes, sizes, and “OMG that’s massive” categories. But choosing the right crane isn’t just about flexing with the biggest one in the yard — it’s about getting the job done efficiently, safely, and affordably.
Let’s break it down so you can lift like a boss and rent smart 💡🏗️
🧠 Why Crane Size Actually Matters
Too small? The crane can’t handle the weight or height = delays, danger, disaster.
Too big? You’re paying for power you don’t even need = wasted budget.
✅ The perfect fit = max efficiency, lower cost, smoother lift.
📐 3 Main Factors to Know Before Choosing
Here’s the holy trinity of crane sizing:
1. 🏋️ Load Weight
How heavy is the thing you’re lifting?
✔ Always know the actual weight — not a guess
✔ Factor in lifting accessories (slings, spreader bars, etc.)
✔ If in doubt, round up, not down
🧱 Example: A 5-ton HVAC unit + rigging = don’t rent a crane rated for just 5 tons.
2. 📏 Lift Height (aka Hook Height)
How high does the crane need to go?
✔ Include the distance from ground to the highest lift point
✔ Consider roof edges, scaffolding, nearby buildings
✔ Add a bit of clearance — trust us
🏙️ Lifting to the 6th floor? That’s 60–80 feet — depending on structure.
3. ↔️ Lift Radius (Boom Reach)
This is where things get spicy 🌶️
The radius is the horizontal distance from the crane’s center to the load.
The farther the reach, the more power (and stability) the crane needs.
✔ Closer = smaller crane
✔ Farther = longer boom = bigger crane
✔ Don’t forget: boom angle affects capacity!
📌 Tip: Crane capacity drops significantly as radius increases. That’s just physics, baby.
🛞 Bonus Factor: Site Conditions
Where’s the crane going?
✔ Rough terrain? You'll need an all-terrain or rough-terrain crane
✔ Tight urban space? Compact or truck-mounted works best
✔ Limited access? Telescopic boom FTW
🌍 Crane size isn’t just about the lift — it’s also about where it happens.
📈 Example Setup:
Scenario: You need to lift a 4-ton generator to a rooftop 40 feet high, 20 feet away from the crane.
You’ll Need: A crane rated for ~5 tons at 20ft radius + 50–60ft boom length.
Recommended Type: Truck-mounted crane with telescopic boom.
Operator: 100% yes. Always.
🧠 Still sounds tricky? That’s what we’re here for.
🛠️ Or… Let Us Do the Math
When you rent from [Your Company], we don’t just hand you a crane and say “good luck.”
We help you:
✅ Calculate load weight & lift specs
✅ Choose the ideal crane for the job
✅ Avoid overspending on unnecessary tonnage
✅ Plan a safe, smooth lift — from site setup to final touch-down
🏁 Final Word: The Right Crane = The Right Results
Choosing crane size isn’t guesswork — it’s physics, planning, and smart logistics.
Don’t risk it with the wrong machine. Lift smarter, not harder 💡
📞 Reach out to [Your Company] — tell us your project specs, and we’ll do all the heavy thinking (before we do the heavy lifting) 🧠🏗️📏
