Part 3: Mobile Crane Stability – Taking the Crane Apart

Before we go any further on mobile crane stability, we need to look at the mobile crane
itself. Pulling it apart and looking at how the crane is constructed gives us a different
perspective on balance than looking at the machine as a whole. So, lets de-construct it.

There are three basic components of the crane: superstructure, carrier and boom.
Each one of these has a center of gravity (CG) and each of the components will affect
the center of gravity of the combined parts in the final crane assembly.

The superstructure, upperstructure or upperworks, is the

revolving frame of equipment on which the operating machinery are mounted along
with the operator’s cab. The superstructure typically supports the crane’s counterweight
on the rear and the boom or other attachment on the front. The CG of the
superstructure will remain the same relative position regardless how the crane is
positioned.

The carrier,
chassis or carbody is the under carriage of the crane and depending on the type would
typically include the carrier cab, wheels/tracks, outriggers, etc. It is designed for
transporting the rotating crane superstructure. The CG will vary on the carrier
depending on the direction of the boom. Although the CG does not really change, the
location of the CG with respect to the center line of the mounting is affected by the
direction the superstructure is moved. When the boom is in line with the length of the
carrier, the CG of the carrier is forward of the rear axles. When the boom is
perpendicular to the length of the carrier (such as when operating over the side) the
CG is in the middle of the carrier’s width.
 It is not uncommon for a truck crane to use the leverage
of the carrier’s length to help stabilize and gain capacity of the rear of the machine. But,
when you swing over the side you lose the carrier’s increased leverage, resulting in
lower ratings. The same reasoning applies to rough terrain (RT) cranes. Some
manufacturers provide greater ratings over the front of an RT because they gain the
leverage of having the rear mounted engine to stabilize.

The third component to consider is the boom. They have a

CG too. However, as you increase or decrease the length of a hydraulic crane boom,
you change the boom’s CG. A lattice boom crane’s CG will remain unchanged, unless
a jib or other ancillary item is added. When we add into this mix the variable of boom
angles, you can see that as a boom raises and lowers through an arc, the booms CG
moves closer or farther away from the tipping axis. When you couple the hydraulic
boom characteristics of extending and retracting with the movement of the boom
through an arc, you have the recipe for a tipping accident.

Next week we will take a look at how the components of the crane and the principles of
balance and leverage come together to safely lift with stability. Remember Safety
through Education is more than our motto, it is our guiding principle. We look forward to
sharing our knowledge with you every week and enjoy hearing how you are using this
information in your daily duties.