A truck-mounted crane is a unique lifting machine, a combination of a truck and a crane. It is incredibly mobile and flexible, which means it is suitable for almost any application. The truck-mounted crane combines the advantages of a truck and a crane independently. This unique crane can perform the functions of a normal crane, but it is also capable of handling many other operations, such as loading, unloading and transporting heavy loads and materials. Today, there are many truck-mounted crane manufacturers which produce cranes with different lifting capacity. In this article, we will review a typical 120-ton-crane and its rated lifting capacity.
A 120-ton crane consists of a 4-section boom that can be long up to 40 meters with maximum tip height of 42 meters. Usually, it is powered by a 6-cylinder turbo-charged engine and uses a hydraulic system. Its jib is usually 7 meters long with a maximum tip height of 52 meters. For greater stability, this truck-mounted crane uses two pieces of counterweights, one of 8000 kg and the other of about 5400 kg. When operating a truck-mounted crane, the following rules must be respected:
- All rated loads need to meet the law for the truck-mounted cranes. Numerous testings and developments were performed according to respectful laws.
- To obtain the load that needs to be lifted, the rated loads, including the weight of the hook, auxiliary lifting devices and slings must be subtracted from the listen ratings. When more than the minimum required hoist is used, the additional weight of the rope must be considered as a part of the load about to be handled/lifted.
- The lifting capacities above the bold line are based on the structural strength of the 120-ton truck-mounted crane. Also, tipping over can not be considered as a capacity indication.
- The truck-mounted crane needs to be operated on a flat and firm surface. However, it is not always possible to work on such terrains, so many cranes include structural supports under their outriggers that spread the load to a larger bearing surface.
- When using the outriggers, they need to be properly extended with the tires freed of the crane weight before operating.
