How does rated load differ from the crane's capacity?

• A. Rated load is the maximum allowed load for a specific configuration per the chart.
• B. Capacity is exactly the same as rated load in all cases.
• C. Rated load represents the minimum safe load for any lift.
• D. Capacity is unrelated to the chart and determined by the crane’s tag.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that lifting safety depends on the exact setup you’re using. The load chart shows the rated load for that precise configuration—boom length, radius, angle, attachments, ballast, and any other factors that affect stability. This rated load is the maximum you’re allowed to lift for that specific configuration, ensuring the crane operates within its safe strength and stability limits.

This differs from capacity, which is a broader term describing the crane’s overall ability to lift. Capacity isn’t a single number; it changes with configuration and is reflected across the chart and the crane’s data plate. The rated load for a given setup comes directly from the chart, so the two are linked, not interchangeable.

So the statement that the rated load is the maximum allowed load for a specific configuration per the chart is the correct understanding.