How far can a mobile crane reach?

The maximum outreach of a mobile crane is determined by several factors, including the weight of the load, the terrain and the type of crane used. Here we’ll cover each of these in more detail.

The lifting capacity of a crane is highest when the load is closest to the body. As a rule of thumb, lifting capacity decreases in proportion to the distance the load moves away from the body. This basically means lighter loads can be lifted further than heavy loads.

We use the following formula for this: (R)(hC)/100. R is the radius between the ground and load and hC is the lifting height multiplied by the capacity. This is a key calculation to ensure you have the right crane in terms of lifting capacity and reach.

The site's topography also has an impact on outreach. In an ideal world, the crane will be mounted on a flat concrete surface, but this is very unlikely on most construction or demolition sites.

Most mobile cranes have outriggers that allow them to be mounted on uneven ground. But the ground needs to be firm to support the weight. The softer the ground, the lower the lifting capacity and outreach.

The type of mobile crane you hire will also determine the maximum reach. There are four basic types of mobile cranes:

Franna cranes: These have a high lifting capacity and the longest reach but they require a firm, flat surface for use. The maximum outreach is around 24m.

Truck-mounted cranes: These are very versatile cranes but they have lower lifting capacity and outreach than other types of mobile cranes. The maximum outreach is around 16.5m.

Crawler crane: These have a large lifting capacity and outreach. The tracks also make them suitable for sites with rough terrain. The maximum outreach is around 90m.

All-terrain cranes: These are designed to operate on rough terrain. But they require space for outriggers to provide stability. The maximum outreach is around 60m.

Do you need help choosing the right crane for the job? Our crane hire experts are here to provide the support you need. Give us a call on 0245 648 069 or contact us online and we’ll make sure you get the right equipment for your project.