What effect does boom deflection have on load radius?

Boom deflection refers to the bending or sagging of the boom under load due to the weight of the load being lifted. When the boom deflects, the effective angle and position of the boom change, which can result in an increase in the load radius.

As the boom deflects downward, the point where the load is being lifted moves outward from the center of the crane, effectively increasing the radius at which the load is being suspended from the crane's pivot point. This change in load radius can impact the crane's stability and its lifting capacity, as a larger load radius typically means that the crane has to manage greater leverage and may be closer to its tipping point.

Understanding boom deflection is crucial for crane operators when determining load limits and ensuring safe lifting practices. Failure to account for changes in load radius due to boom deflection could lead to unsafe operating conditions or exceed the crane's rated capacities.