Calculate boom length, load, or radius from two inputs using only a simplified boom model with short tons, meters, feet, and yards.
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Boom Length Formula
The simplified boom length model uses a fixed reference load of 10 short tons. The calculator converts length inputs to meters and load inputs to short tons before applying the formula, then converts the result back to the unit you selected.
- BL = boom length
- R = working radius
- L = load
- L_ref = reference load, equal to 10 short tons in this simplified model
The boom length function calculates the required boom length when you enter load and radius. The radius function rearranges the same relationship to find the working radius from a known load and boom length. The load function estimates the load implied by a given boom length and radius. This is a simplified relationship and is not a substitute for a crane load chart, lift plan, manufacturer data, or site-specific engineering review.
Common Unit Conversions Used
The calculator uses the following conversions before applying the formulas.
| Input type | Unit | Base conversion |
|---|---|---|
| Load | Short tons | 1 short ton = 1 short ton |
| Load | Metric tons | 1 metric ton = 1.10231 short tons |
| Length | Meters | 1 meter = 1 meter |
| Length | Feet | 1 foot = 0.3048 meters |
| Length | Yards | 1 yard = 0.9144 meters |
Simplified Result Checks
| Load | Radius | Calculated boom length |
|---|---|---|
| 0 short tons | 10 meters | 10 meters |
| 5 short tons | 10 meters | 15 meters |
| 10 short tons | 10 meters | 20 meters |
| 20 short tons | 10 meters | 30 meters |
Example
Example 1: Calculate boom length
You enter a load of 10 short tons and a radius of 12 meters.
The simplified boom length is 24 meters.
Example 2: Calculate load
You enter a boom length of 30 meters and a radius of 15 meters.
The simplified load is 10 short tons.
FAQ
Is this the same as a crane load chart?
No. This is a simplified calculation based only on load, radius, and a fixed reference load. A real crane load chart accounts for crane model, boom configuration, counterweight, outrigger setup, boom angle, jib, wind, ground conditions, rigging weight, and other limits.
Why must boom length be at least as long as the radius when calculating load?
In this simplified model, the load formula is L = (BL / R - 1) * L_ref. If boom length is shorter than radius, BL / R is less than 1, which produces a negative load. The calculator blocks that because negative load is not meaningful here.
Can I use feet, yards, meters, short tons, and metric tons together?
Yes. You can mix the available units. The calculator converts lengths to meters and loads to short tons internally, performs the calculation, then returns the missing value in the unit selected for that field.
