A long boom crane working at minimum radius and 3 degrees out of level will have a loss of capacity by what percentage?

When a long boom crane operates at minimum radius and is out of level by 3 degrees, it experiences a reduction in lifting capacity due to the impact of the crane's configuration and the gravitational forces acting on the load. At 3 degrees out of level, the boom’s effective angle relative to the load increases, which causes a decrease in load capacity.

A 50% loss of capacity is significant and aligns with findings that such an angle can severely affect the safe operational limits of cranes—especially when considering factors like stability and the structural integrity of the lifting system. The further the crane is from its intended level position, the more pronounced these effects can become, particularly at longer boom lengths where the leverage on the truck and counterweight is affected.

In this situation, a 50% loss indicates that the crane would only be able to safely lift half of its rated load, underscoring the critical need for operators to account for levelness in their lifting operations. This highlights the importance of ensuring cranes are set up on solid, level ground to maximize their operational efficiency and safety.