Selecting the Right Crane: A Guide to Sizing

At Tim's Crane & Rigging, we understand that crane selection is one of the most critical decisions you'll make on any project. The equipment you choose directly impacts three things that matter most: whether your team stays safe, whether your work stays on schedule, and whether your project succeeds without costly delays or complications.

Too many project managers rush through crane selection, focusing only on cost or availability. But the wrong choice can lead to safety hazards, operational inefficiencies, project overruns, and damaged equipment. The right choice—one that matches your specific needs—can transform a project from stressful to seamless.

Selecting the Right Crane: The Three Critical Factors

Three key measurements determine which crane is appropriate for your project: load weight, lift radius, and lift height. Customers who come prepared with these specifications are well on their way to a safe and efficient operation. If you're uncertain about any of these factors, our team is ready to conduct an onsite evaluation to help you plan with confidence.

1. Load Weight: More Than Meets the Eye

The first and most fundamental consideration is total load weight when selecting the right crane:. This figure encompasses not just the object being lifted, but also all rigging equipment, slings, hooks, and attachments required to complete the lift. Understanding the complete weight package is essential to prevent exceeding the crane's rated capacity—a critical safety consideration that cannot be overlooked.

2. Lift Radius: Distance Changes Everything

Lift radius has a dramatic impact on crane capacity and often surprises those unfamiliar with crane operations. This measurement represents the horizontal distance from the crane's center pin to the load's center of gravity. Here's the crucial point: the further the crane must reach, the less weight it can safely handle.

Consider this example: Tadano’s GT-1200XL-2 (120Ton Truck Crane) can accommodate a 67,000lb. load at a 30-foot radius, but that same crane may only handle 24,000lbs. when extended to a 60-foot radius. This inverse relationship between reach and capacity makes lift radius one of the most important variables in crane selection.

3. Lift Height: Reaching New Heights

The final factor is lift height—the vertical distance required to position the load at its destination. Greater heights demand longer booms, and as lift height increases, you may need not only a larger crane but an entirely different type of crane altogether. Tower cranes, for instance, excel at high-elevation work that mobile cranes cannot safely accomplish.

Bringing It All Together

Once these three essential factors are determined, we compile the data and consult the appropriate crane load charts to identify the right equipment for your job. However, crane selection doesn't end there. Additional site-specific considerations include:

• Ground conditions: Soil stability and load-bearing capacity

• Site space: Available room for crane setup and operation

• Weather conditions: Wind speeds and precipitation forecasts

• Overhead obstructions: Power lines, structures, and clearance limitations

Our Commitment to Your Success

Understanding these factors and how they interact is what separates a successful crane operation from a potentially hazardous situation. At Tim's Crane & Rigging, we combine technical expertise with practical experience to ensure every project begins with the right equipment, properly planned and safely executed.

Whether you're a seasoned contractor or planning your first crane lift, our team is here to help you navigate the selection process. Contact us today for a consultation or onsite evaluation—because the right crane makes all the difference.

About Tim's Crane & Rigging in Savannah

Proudly family-owned and Savannah’s oldest crane & rigging company. Specializing in fully operated and maintained crane rentals, serving Southeast Georgia and South Carolina since 1997. Contact us today for a free quote.