A crane load chart answers a more useful question than the maximum tonnage printed in a brochure: “Can this exact crane lift my load at the radius, boom length and setup my project requires?” A 30-ton crane does not provide 30 tonnes of capacity throughout its working range. Capacity can fall significantly as radius increases, boom length changes or outriggers are not fully extended.
Before buying a used crane from Japan, identify the exact model and obtain the correct manufacturer load chart. Then match your load weight, rigging, working radius, boom or jib configuration, outrigger position and operating area to that chart. This article explains the main terms and shows overseas buyers how to use load-chart information when deciding whether a used crane is worth further consideration.
What Does a Crane Load Chart Tell You?
A crane load chart shows the manufacturer's rated lifting capacities under specified operating conditions.
Depending on the crane, the chart may include:
- Working radius
- Boom length
- Jib length
- Jib offset angle
- Outrigger extension
- Operating direction or working area
- Counterweight configuration
- Number of wire-rope parts
- Hook or lifting-device information
The chart must be matched to the individual crane configuration.
Specifications vary by model year and configuration. Exact specifications should be confirmed for each individual machine.
The First Rule: Maximum Capacity Is Not Capacity Everywhere
A model may be advertised as a 25-ton, 30-ton or 70-ton crane.
That figure normally represents maximum capacity under a specific combination of short boom and small working radius.
For example, the current Tadano GR-700N is listed at 70,000 kg at a 2.1 m radius with its 9.8 m boom in the stated configuration.
The same manufacturer lists boom lengths up to 44.0 m and working radii much farther from the crane.
The crane does not retain its 70-ton maximum rating throughout that range.
Never select a used crane from its maximum tonnage alone.
Understand Working Radius First
Working radius is one of the most important numbers on a load chart.
In practical terms, it describes the horizontal distance used to determine the lifting position relative to the crane's center of rotation.
As the load moves farther away, the crane experiences greater overturning effect.
As a result, rated capacity generally decreases as working radius increases.
Why a Small Change in Radius Can Matter
Kato's official SR-300LX data provides a useful example.
With a 9.35 m boom in one published configuration, the chart lists:
| Working Radius | Rated Capacity |
|---|---|
| 2.5 m | 30.00 t |
| 3.0 m | 26.00 t |
| 3.5 m | 20.20 t |
| 4.0 m | 16.35 t |
| 5.0 m | 11.40 t |
| 6.0 m | 8.10 t |
These figures apply only to the specific chart and configuration from which they were taken.
They should not be applied to another SR-300LX setup or another crane.
The example shows why “30-ton crane” is not enough information for a purchase decision.
Boom Length Changes the Available Capacity
Load charts usually provide separate columns or sections for different boom lengths.
As the boom extends, the crane geometry changes.
Therefore, a buyer must know how much boom is needed to reach the intended lifting point.
Do not simply choose the shortest boom column because it shows the largest capacity.
If the project requires a longer boom, use the correct longer-boom information.
Do Not Guess Between Listed Boom Lengths
Tadano's official crane-capacity guidance explains that when the exact boom length is not shown in the table, the operator should follow the applicable crane indication and manufacturer guidance.
The manufacturer also explains that the more restrictive capacity may need to be used when comparing adjacent listed boom lengths.
For a used buyer, the practical message is simple:
Do not interpolate a larger lifting capacity yourself.
Use the exact manufacturer information for the crane and configuration.
Load Radius Should Reflect the Real Lift
Tadano notes that load radius accounts for deflection caused by lifting load.
Boom and crane structure can deflect under load, which can change the real radius.
This means the radius measured before the lift may not perfectly represent the loaded condition.
For purchase planning, allow for the actual manufacturer-defined load radius rather than treating radius as a rough estimate.
Rated Capacity May Include More Than the Object Being Lifted
A common buyer mistake is to compare only the object's weight with the load chart.
Tadano states that rated lifting capacity represents the total mass of the lifting device, including items such as:
- The load
- Rigging wire rope
- Hook block
- Other applicable lifting equipment
Therefore, a 10,000 kg object does not always mean you should search for a chart cell showing exactly 10,000 kg.
The complete suspended configuration must be considered according to the manufacturer's instructions.
A Simple Buyer Example
Suppose your machine or structure weighs 8,000 kg.
You estimate that the crane must operate at a 10 m working radius.
Before deciding that an 8-ton or 10-ton crane is suitable, you still need to know:
- Hook block weight
- Rigging weight
- Required boom length
- Required hook height
- Outrigger position
- Operating direction
- Jib use, if any
Only after those conditions are known can the correct load-chart cell or manufacturer-rated capacity be identified.
Outrigger Extension Can Change the Chart
Rough terrain and truck cranes often have several outrigger extension positions.
A larger outrigger footprint can provide a different rated-capacity envelope from a partially extended configuration.
For example, the current Tadano GR-700N lists:
- Maximum outrigger spread: 7.8 m
- Several intermediate extension positions
- A minimum spread of 2.36 m
These positions are not interchangeable from a load-chart perspective.
If your project site cannot accommodate full outrigger extension, check the chart for the actual available position.
Restricted Jobsites Can Change the Crane You Need
Imagine that two cranes can perform your lift with fully extended outriggers.
However, one jobsite allows only partial extension because of:
- A building
- Traffic lane
- Excavation
- Property boundary
- Another machine
The smaller setup can change rated capacity.
A crane that looked sufficient on paper may no longer satisfy the real lift.
Operating Direction Can Also Matter
Some crane charts distinguish between working areas such as:
- 360-degree operation
- Over front
- Over rear
- Over side
Capacity can differ according to crane design and setup.
Do not assume that a capacity available over one sector is automatically available through the full rotation.
Check the exact chart.
Understand Jib Charts Separately
A jib extends the crane's working height or reach, but it normally has its own capacity information.
The main-boom maximum capacity cannot be applied to the jib.
A jib chart may depend on:
- Main boom length
- Jib length
- Jib offset angle
- Working radius
- Outrigger position
If your regular work needs a jib, check the jib chart before purchasing the crane.
Maximum Height Is Not Maximum Capacity
Crane brochures often show impressive maximum lifting heights.
That number can be useful for initial selection, but it does not tell you how much the crane can lift at that height.
For purchase planning, compare:
- Required hook height
- Required radius
- Boom or jib configuration
- Rated capacity at that configuration
A crane may reach the required location but still lack sufficient rated capacity there.
Working Range Diagram and Load Chart Do Different Jobs
A working range diagram helps show where the boom or jib can reach.
A load chart shows how much can be lifted under the stated conditions.
Use both.
The working range answers:
Can the hook reach the location?
The load chart answers:
Can the crane lift the required load there?
You need both answers before choosing the crane.
Counterweight Configuration Must Match
Larger mobile and crawler cranes may use different counterweight configurations.
Load charts can change according to the amount and arrangement of counterweight.
Before purchasing a used crane, confirm:
- Which counterweights are included
- Whether the set is complete
- Which chart applies to that configuration
- Whether transport of the counterweights is practical
Do not assume missing counterweights can simply be replaced with substitute ballast.
Only approved manufacturer configurations should be used.
Number of Parts of Line Can Affect the Lift
The wire rope may be reeved through the hook block using different numbers of parts.
Manufacturers can specify different rope arrangements for different lifting capacities.
Therefore, confirm:
- Hook block type
- Wire-rope specification
- Number of parts of line
- Applicable chart or manufacturer instruction
The maximum crane capacity cannot always be achieved with every rope configuration.
Load Charts Must Match the Exact Used Crane
This point is critical in the Japanese used market.
Older Tadano GR and Kato SR machines can have several generations under similar model families.
Kato's official previous-model records show multiple cranes with different:
- Model designations
- Boom lengths
- Jib lengths
- Gross vehicle weights
- Generation codes
Never download a chart simply because the crane looks similar.
Use the Serial Number and Model Plate
Before relying on any technical document:
- Photograph the manufacturer plate.
- Record the complete model.
- Record the serial number.
- Confirm the boom and jib configuration.
- Confirm counterweights where applicable.
- Find the corresponding manufacturer technical information.
If the correct chart cannot be confirmed, treat the lifting specification as unresolved.
Check That the Load Chart Is Available With the Crane
For an operational crane, the operator needs access to the correct rated-capacity information.
Public crane-safety regulations such as U.S. OSHA rules require rating charts to cover relevant operating radii, boom and jib lengths and applicable equipment configurations.
Destination-country rules can differ.
For an overseas used buyer, ask whether the crane has:
- Load chart
- Working-range information
- Operator manual
- Safety-system documentation
If documentation is missing, investigate availability before purchase.
AML, ACS and Other Indicators Do Not Replace the Chart
Modern cranes may use electronic systems such as Tadano AML or Kato ACS.
These systems can monitor crane configuration and rated-capacity information.
However, they do not remove the need to understand the manufacturer's crane specification.
On a used crane, confirm that relevant indicators and safety systems are operating correctly.
An incorrect boom-length, radius or outrigger signal can affect the information shown to the operator.
Do Not Modify a Chart to Create More Capacity
A buyer may sometimes see a crane that appears physically strong enough to handle a larger load.
That is not a valid reason to increase its rated capacity.
The manufacturer's rating must be respected unless an approved engineering and regulatory process provides otherwise.
For a normal used-equipment purchase, assume the published manufacturer limit is the limit.
What a Load Chart Cannot Tell You
A correct load chart does not prove that a used crane is mechanically healthy.
It cannot tell you whether the crane has:
- Cracked boom sections
- Damaged wire rope
- Hydraulic leaks
- Worn winches
- Outrigger problems
- Safety-system faults
- Severe corrosion
Load-chart suitability and used-machine condition are separate purchase decisions.
Use the Chart Before Inspecting Specific Stock
A practical overseas buying sequence is:
- Define the heaviest real load.
- Calculate or confirm the suspended lifting arrangement.
- Measure the maximum working radius.
- Determine the required hook height.
- Determine boom or jib requirements.
- Check available outrigger space.
- Identify crane models whose official charts cover the lift.
- Then compare individual used cranes in that class.
- Inspect the selected machine's mechanical condition.
This process reduces the risk of buying an attractive crane that cannot perform the intended job.
A Crane Load Chart Buyer Checklist
- Exact Model: Confirm the full crane designation.
- Serial Number: Match the machine to the correct technical information.
- Load Weight: Confirm the actual load, not an estimate.
- Rigging: Include the required lifting equipment according to manufacturer guidance.
- Working Radius: Use the real planned radius.
- Boom Length: Select the chart column for the actual configuration.
- Hook Height: Confirm the crane can physically reach the work point.
- Outriggers: Use the chart for the actual extension position.
- Working Area: Check whether capacity varies by operating direction.
- Jib: Use the separate jib information where applicable.
- Counterweight: Confirm the approved configuration.
- Parts of Line: Confirm the required reeving.
- Working Range: Confirm reach as well as capacity.
- Safety System: Check that load-monitoring information responds correctly.
- Documents: Confirm the correct load chart and manuals are available.
- Condition: Inspect the used crane separately from its theoretical capacity.
Buying a Used Crane from Japan
Japanese used machinery can include rough terrain cranes, crawler cranes and other lifting equipment from several manufacturers and generations.
You can check current Japanese used machinery available at EVERYCAR.jp. Inventory changes regularly, so a particular crane model or capacity class should not be assumed to remain available.
When making an inquiry, providing maximum load alone is not enough. Useful information includes the required working radius, hook height, preferred crane type or model, budget and destination.
For more information about choosing and inspecting Japanese used construction machinery, visit the Japanese Used Machinery & Heavy Equipment Guide.
Read the Load Chart Before Comparing Crane Prices
A used crane becomes a serious purchase candidate only after its rated lifting performance matches your actual work.
Start with the real load. Then establish radius, height, boom or jib configuration, outrigger setup and operating area. Match those conditions to the correct manufacturer load chart for the exact machine.
After confirming capacity, evaluate the individual used crane's mechanical and structural condition.
If you are looking for a used crane from Japan, you can contact EVERY with your preferred manufacturer or model, load weight, working radius, required lifting height, budget and destination. Exact specifications, load charts, configuration and condition should be confirmed for each individual crane before purchase.
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