Planning and Preparing for Vehicle Loading Crane Operations
Start with the site, not the crane
Planning begins before the vehicle moves. Establish the task: what load, what mass, what dimensions, where it starts and where it must land. Confirm the load chart for the exact configuration you will use - boom length, radius, and whether the crane is on outriggers or free-on-wheels. Radius is measured horizontally from the slewing centre to the load hook, not along the boom.
Ground and access
Assess the ground for bearing capacity, slope, voids, and buried services. A crane truck parked over a drain, cellar, or recently backfilled trench is a classic failure scenario. Check overhead powerlines and establish exclusion zones; also check for underground assets before setting outriggers. Plan the vehicle path in and out, including turning circles and overhead clearances.
People and paperwork
Identify the dogger/rigger, traffic control, and any spotter. Confirm the communication method and the emergency plan. Verify the crane's inspection and maintenance records, the load chart is in the cabin, and the operator holds the correct licence class. Check the load: mass, centre of gravity, lifting points, and whether it is free of water, ice, or loose material.
Traps in questions
Watch for questions that describe a "quick lift" or a lift at "minimum radius" - the correct answer is almost always to consult the load chart and verify the configuration. Another trap is assuming the rated capacity applies at any boom angle. A third is ignoring wind, which reduces capacity on a large sail area load.
Rule of thumb
Use the 75% planning rule: plan every lift to stay at or below 75% of the chart capacity for that configuration. The remaining margin absorbs dynamic effects, wind, and minor radius increases as the boom deflects under load.