The transport begins and ends with the lift. Whether a heavy load reaches the low-loader safely is decided long beforehand – when crane positioning, ground pressure and the sequence are planned. This guide shows what matters at the loading point.
What is the greatest risk in crane positioning?
The ground. Via its outriggers a mobile crane introduces enormous point forces into the ground – often a multiple of the actual load, because the crane's own weight, the counterweight and the lever arm act together. If the ground gives way under an outrigger, the crane tips over. That is why the assessment of the outrigger forces and the ground pressure is the most critical point of any loading plan – more important than lifting capacity alone. How the load is then moved on the road is shown under heavy haulage.
How are ground pressure and outrigger forces assessed?
The crane model, the lifting weight and the working radius determine the maximum load per outrigger pad. This force is distributed over a larger area via packing (steel or plastic mats, crane mats, timbers) until the ground pressure is below the permissible bearing capacity of the subsoil. Hidden weak points are critical: manhole covers, basement ceilings, utility trenches, freshly backfilled areas or embankment edges. Where the subsoil is unclear, a soil survey belongs in the planning.
What requirements does the set-up area have?
- Bearing capacity and levelness: The set-up area must absorb the outrigger forces and be sufficiently level.
- Room for radius and slewing range: The crane, the counterweight and the slewing radius of the load need free space – overhead too (power lines!).
- Access and set-up of the crane: The crane itself is a heavy transport; its arrival and departure as well as the rigging area must be planned in.
- Position of the low-loader: Vehicle and crane must be positioned so that the load can be set down within the permissible radius. The appropriate vehicle choice is matched to this.
How does loading run step by step?
A clean sequence follows a fixed order: cordoning off and securing the area, setting up and outriggering the crane, attaching the load with tested lifting gear and observing the centre of gravity, controlled lifting, slewing and setting down on the low-loader, followed by load securing to VDI 2700. For particularly heavy or bulky packages, two cranes are used in a tandem lift – this considerably increases the coordination effort and calls for a detailed lift calculation.
Why does loading belong in the overall plan?
Because the permit does not end at the works gate. Manoeuvring areas, crane set-up positions and the last mile are part of the project – and a set-up area that cannot bear the load can cost an entire transport day. That is why loading, route and time windows are planned together. On international runs via the Middle Corridor, transhipment points on vessel and rail are added as further loading situations; our routes take account of this.
What role do weather and wind load play?
Crane work depends on the weather. The longer the boom, the lower the permissible wind speed at which lifting is still allowed; large, flat components such as vessels or rotor components act like a sail and considerably increase the surface exposed to wind. If the wind exceeds the crane manufacturer's limit, the lift is postponed – that too belongs in the schedule as a reserve day. Frost, ground softened by rain or ice likewise affect the bearing capacity of the set-up area and the safety of the sequence. A serious loading plan therefore allows for a weather window, checks the subsoil on the day and keeps communication between crane operator, slinger and transport management close. That turns a critical lift into a controlled, plannable step – one that flows seamlessly into the route and time window of the transport.
How Oversize Transports plans your loading
We coordinate crane positioning, ground pressure assessment, the set-up area check and the lift sequence with the route, vehicle concept and time window – including load securing to VDI 2700 and, where necessary, a tandem lift. After the feasibility study you receive a transparent quotation. Send us the weight, dimensions, centre of gravity and photos of the loading point – we will tell you how the loading can be done safely. On request we coordinate crane, personnel and low-loader from a single source, so that lift, transhipment and road leg interlock without interface losses.