TEST PROCEDURESAfter the crane has been prestarted andtransported to the test pad, the crane crewsupervisors assist the crane test director to set up theweights for the weight-testing procedure. The cranecrew supervisors must know the length of boom andthe number of parts of line assembled on the crane.When testing cranes, you must test all the sections ofboom assigned to a crane during the crane testprocedures. The supervisors take the boom lengthmeasurement and the number of parts of line andreview the load charts (fig. 3-11) to determine themaximum-rated allowable load that the crane can lift.Mobile cranes are weight-tested at 110 percent of therated capacity. Crawler cranes are weight-tested at125 percent of the rated capacity. Complete tests areperformed on each hook, such as the main hoist andthe auxiliary or jib hoist. All rigging used in craneload testing must have been previously tested to atleast 150 percent of the rated working load.Test WeightsTo determine the test weight for a mobilecrane, refer to the manufacturer’s load chartsassigned to the crane. To determine the test weightused in the following example, use the load chart infigure 3-11. When the crane is assembled with 60 feetof boom, the minimum radius noted on the load chartis 15 feet, with a rated capacity of 48,800 pounds. Donot rely on the boom angle indicator for radiusaccuracy when the lift exceeds 75 percent of the ratedcapacity; however, check the accuracy of the boomangle indicator by placing a 3-foot builder’s level onthe center boom section and raise or lower the boomuntil the level indicates the boom is level (fig. 3-12). Atthis point the boom angle indicator should show theFigure 3-12.—Check accuracy of boom angle indicator.3-13
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