How to Choose the Right Crane Capacity for Your Lift

The most common mistake in crane rental is choosing capacity from the piece weight alone. A 50-ton crane does not lift 50 tons at every point; the rated capacity applies only at the closest radius and shortest boom.

Factors that set the capacity you need

• Total weight: the piece weight plus rigging such as hooks, slings, and spreader bars.
• Working radius: the horizontal distance from the crane center to the lift point — capacity drops sharply as it grows.
• Height and boom length: a longer boom means less capacity at the same radius.
• Safety margin: never plan to run the crane at its absolute limit.

The load chart is the reference

Every crane has a load chart showing actual capacity at each radius and boom length. That chart is the correct reference, not the marketing number.

What to send us

The piece weight and dimensions, the horizontal distance between where the crane stands and the pick and set points, the required height, and photos of the set-up area if possible. Al-Fareed offers cranes from 7 to 150 tons, and we confirm the right capacity after reviewing these details.