Mobile Crane Counterweights

(An Important Safety Factor).

MANOJ KUMAR ( Blogger/Safety Professional)

3 min read
·
Oct 31, 2022

By:Manoj Kumar(hseguru@yahoo.in/+91–8252771261
,Alstom University’s Certified HSE Professional,M.Sc.-
Chemistry,B.Sc.-Chemistry,B.Sc.-Fire Safety & Hazards
Management,DIS,DFS,First Aid-DISH Approved,Food Safety,Chemical
Safety,IOSH-MS,BBS,Back Safety…..etc Member:IAC,NewYork,Life
Member: Sri Sri Krishna Balrama Mandir,Brindaban).

Ancestral Home Address: S/O Late Shri Kameshwar Singh & Late Smt.
Hiramuni Devi(D/O Late Shri Bhrigunath Singh & Late Smt. Moti
Devi,C/O Late Shri Markandey Singh’s Duwar,Brahampur
Pokhra,Brahmpur Dham,Buxar,Bihar).

Grandson of: Late Shri Tapeshwar Singh & Late Smt. Shayama
Kunwar,
Near Govt. School,Barhara-Ekwana Road,Paschim Tola,
Barhara,Ara,Bhojpur,Bihar.

Chant holy mantra together-

“Hare Krishna,Hare Krishna,Krishna Krishna,HareHare!

Hare Rama,Hare Rama,Rama Rama Hare Hare!!”

By:Manoj Kumar(hseguru@yahoo.in/+91–8252771261
,Alstom University’s Certified HSE Professional,M.Sc.-
Chemistry,B.Sc.-Chemistry,B.Sc.-Fire Safety & Hazards
Management,DIS,DFS,First Aid-DISH Approved,Food Safety,Chemical
Safety,IOSH-MS,BBS,Back Safety…..etc Member:IAC,NewYork,Life
Member: Sri Sri Krishna Balrama Mandir,Brindaban).

Ancestral Home Address: S/O Late Shri Kameshwar Singh & Late Smt.
Hiramuni Devi(D/O Late Shri Bhrigunath Singh & Late Smt. Moti
Devi,C/O Late Shri Markandey Singh’s Duwar,Brahampur
Pokhra,Brahmpur Dham,Buxar,Bihar).

Grandson of: Late Shri Tapeshwar Singh & Late Smt. Shayama
Kunwar,

Near Govt. School,Barhara-Ekwana Road,Paschim Tola,

Barhara,Ara,Bhojpur,Bihar.
Chant holy mantra together-

“Hare Krishna,Hare Krishna,Krishna Krishna,HareHare!

Hare Rama,Hare Rama,Rama Rama Hare Hare!!”

Mobile cranes are heavy equipment vehicles that have been designed to
lift, lower and transport heavy loads. They are employed in the off-
highway industry to move freights beyond the normal capability of a
man. Every crane has a set of counterweights which guarantees the
counterbalance and prevents the machine of toppling over.

Importance of proper counter weight:

The counterweight plays a critical role. If it is not designed properly

and doesn’t possess the right size and shape, it turns automatically into
an extremely dangerous subject that can make the vehicle topple over
in the direction of the load or backward. When trying to lift a load, a
crane can topple over in the load’s direction if the counterweight set up
is too light for the load and booms the configuration. Otherwise, the
counterweight can topple a crane backwards in situations when:

• The counterweight is too heavy for the boom configuration.

• The crane is traveling up a slope.

 • When the crane is on soft ground, inadequate timbers are placed
under the outrigger pads below the counterweight.

• Outriggers or any other ground support are not extended or

lowered into position and cannot resist the combined weights
and tipping forces.

• If the boom configuration is lifted too high and there is not

enough load applied on it.

How to Avoid Mobile Crane accidents?

Calculating the proper counter weight

Toppling over happens mostly because of mathematical
miscalculation. Therefore, it is essential to set the correct weight and
size prior to the manufacturing process during the design phase. This
is the only way to secure the safe performance of the crane
counterweight.
Using the following mathematical formula, while designing the
component, will minimize possible risks and secure reliable
counterbalance:
P=Vxμxg
Where P is the weight of the required counterweight; V — its volume; μ
— is the density of the material of which the counterweight was made
of and g — the gravitational constant (9.81).
Cast iron counterweights are the safest option
Mobile cranes are far smaller than the fixed crane configurations, but
still facing the same loads challenges. Especially because of their size,
they need small, but very heavy counterweights. Thanks to its density
only cast iron counterweights can meet those requirements.

Crane load charts

Crane load charts should be posted in sight of the operator. They
should contain, very well structured, all important information about
counterweights, vehicle’s configurations and boom angles. Also, the
mobile crane operator should be aware of the vehicle’s limited
capacities by structural strength and by stability.

Regular inspections
Safe and risk reduction safety guidelines should be followed on a daily
basis to ensure that the vehicle is in proper working condition.
Preventive maintenance and safety inspections should be regularly
performed to detect potential accidents.

Mobile crane counterweights ensure the safe operation of the vehicle

by keeping it stable and upright. Best design practices, most reliable
raw material selection as grey cast iron and regular safety inspections
are essential for the performance of a high-quality counterweight.