Key takeaways
- A crane's ton rating is its maximum at very short radius — capacity drops as the load moves further away.
- You need three numbers: load weight (with rigging), radius and lift height.
- Site conditions — ground, access, obstructions — can decide the crane as much as the load.
What the ton rating really means
A crane is rated by the maximum load it can lift in its most favourable set-up: boom retracted, short radius, full counterweight, outriggers extended. As soon as the load moves further from the crane's centre, the safe capacity falls — often steeply.
That is why a 50 ton crane may only be able to place a few tons at the far side of a building, and why the right crane is chosen from its load chart, not its name.
The three numbers to send
With these, a crane supplier can check load charts and recommend a size:
- Load weight — including slings, shackles and spreader beams
- Radius — horizontal distance from where the crane will stand to where the load is lifted and placed
- Height — how high the load must go, and any obstacle it must clear
Site conditions that change the answer
Outriggers transfer large forces into the ground, so soft sand or backfilled ground may need mats. Narrow access, overhead lines or nearby buildings can force the crane further from the load — increasing radius and therefore the size needed.
| Ferry Global mobile crane | Typical use |
|---|---|
| 25 ton | Light lifts, tight sites |
| 50 ton | General construction, steel, loading |
| 70/80 ton | Heavier loads, longer reach |
| 100 ton | Heavy industrial and infrastructure lifts |
| 130 ton | Heaviest and longest-radius lifts |
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose a crane by weight alone?
No. Radius and height matter as much as weight. Always share all three.
Who prepares the lift plan?
It depends on the site's requirements. Tell us whether a lift plan or third-party certification is required when you enquire.