What is the recommended practice when the crane's boom length is not explicitly listed in the load chart?

When the crane's boom length is not explicitly listed in the load chart, the recommended practice is to choose the next longest or shortest capacity, whichever is lower. This approach emphasizes safety and ensures that the load is well within the crane's operational limits.

Using the next longest capacity allows for the consideration of the additional leverage the boom would have, thus ensuring the crane remains stable and effective across a range of operational scenarios. However, selecting the shortest capacity, in contrast, may lead to overestimating the crane's capability if the boom length is longer than the shortest listed. Thus, choosing the lower capacity from either the next longest or shortest prevents the risk of overloading the crane, which could lead to potential accidents or equipment failure.

This practice aligns with the overarching principle of crane operation, which is to maintain a conservative, cautious approach regarding load limits and operational parameters. This is critical in preventing incidents and ensuring safe lifting operations.