When the boom of a crane is lowered, what happens to the radius?

When the boom of a crane is lowered, the radius actually decreases. The radius refers to the horizontal distance from the center of the rotation (the pivot point of the crane) to the load being lifted. As the boom is lowered, the angle of the boom with respect to the horizontal plane becomes steeper, which brings the load closer to the center of the crane. This inherently reduces the radius.

Understanding this concept is crucial for crane operation and safety, as knowing how the radius changes can help operators assess the lifting capacity and stability of the crane when maneuvering loads at different heights. The radius is an essential factor in determining the working area of the crane and ensuring that the load remains within safe operating limits.