Dinesh - a crane has a SWL defined due to its design capabilities. The loading on the crane will reduce the further the hook is from the crane and the angle of the jib. So without a load cell, how do you know if you are within the capabilities of the crane? In the UK that would be the LOLER Regs Or am I reading the question wrongly. David

Hi Dinesh, Good question well asked, The crane should be compliant with EN13001 (2004) or the previous legislation (pre 04) and should be able to withstand a 125% static overload and a 110% Dynamic overload without deformation/deflection to the structure. The above is usually done by the competent person when testing commences, during the testing to the structure (if req by the competent person) the crane should failsafe if overloaded by more than 125%. However, The first and most basic rule of slinging - KNOW THE WEIGHT OF THE LOAD every slinger, and i mean every slinger trained is taught this - re-itterate this in RAMS/SSOW and you should be ok. P.s. BS 7121 does require that mobile, and tower cranes are fitted with a load indicator that must be in calibration. My experience as an examiner and tester most large capacity cranes are similarly fitted only those under 10t ish dont seem to be fitted or fitted for but not with. Hope this helps Yours aye DB