Carry Deck & Industrial Cranes
Carry deck cranes are compact, four-wheel cranes with a boom that rotates on a flat deck. They are used in plants, warehouses, steel yards and construction for setting machinery and moving loads in tight spaces. Their small size and ability to carry a load on the deck can hide limits: they can tip over sideways with surprisingly modest loads.
- Crane Operators
- Riggers
- Plant Maintenance
- Signal Persons
What they are
- Carry deck cranes have a telescoping boom mounted on a deck with four wheels. They are controlled from a cab, usually at the rear or side, and have no outriggers in some models or limited outriggers in others.
- They can carry loads on the deck and may lift loads and travel with them (pick-and-carry). See Pick-and-Carry Operations.
- Industrial cranes include small mobile cranes used in plants, such as locomotive cranes, crawler cranes and mobile cranes. Many fall under OSHA's crane rules (construction: Subpart CC; general industry: 1910.180 and 1910.179).
- Operators must be trained and qualified and use the manufacturer's manual. See Crane Basics.
Main hazards
- Tipping: capacity changes sharply by direction. A load that is safe over the front can tip the crane over the side.
- Overloading: reading the wrong chart, forgetting rigging weight, or lifting more than rated.
- Rough or sloped ground: tires and suspension shift the crane. Pick-and-carry on uneven floors adds swing.
- Swinging loads that hit people and equipment in tight areas.
- Overhead hazards: power lines, building structure and bridge cranes. See Cranes & Power Lines.
- Blind spots and workers on foot near the machine. See Blind Lifts.
- Pinch points at the boom and deck, and falls from the deck.
Safe operation
- Study the load chart for the exact configuration. Carry deck cranes often have separate charts: over the front (stability limited), over the side, and on the deck. Use the lowest applicable value. See Load Charts.
- Know the true load weight including hooks, slings and rigging, and the radius. See Estimating Load Weight.
- Inspect before use: tires and pressure, boom, cables, hook and latch, brakes, safety devices, alarms and lights. See Crane Inspections.
- Operate on firm, level surfaces. Check floor load limits and tight spaces, and use mats if needed. Do not exceed slope limits.
- Keep the boom low and short when traveling, and the load close to the ground. Move slowly and avoid sudden turns, stops or swings.
- Use a qualified signal person and keep everyone out of the swing and out from under the load. Use tag lines. See Signal Person Qualification.
- Don't use the crane to drag, side-pull or lift personnel unless properly equipped. See Hoisting Personnel.
- Shut down, set the brake, lower the boom and secure the crane before leaving it.
Carry deck crane checklist
- I'm trained and I read the correct load chart for front, side or deck
- I know the load weight including rigging and the radius
- Tires, boom, hook and safety devices passed the inspection
- The ground is firm and level and the swing area is clear of people
- I travel slowly with the boom and load low
Standards & references
Last updated: