Which crane type requires the smallest capacity multiplier relative to the heaviest panel including rigging?

• A. Hydraulic
• B. Conventional
• C. Crawler
• D. All cranes require the same multiplier

Answer: (C)

When selecting a crane for lifting the heaviest panel with rigging, you use a capacity multiplier to account for rigging, dynamic effects, and other deratings beyond the panel weight. Different crane types have different stability and lifting efficiency, so the multiplier needed to safely lift the same load varies by crane type.

A crawler crane provides the most stable, broad base and strong counterweight, which minimizes sway and derating at typical lift radii. That stability means you don’t have to add as much extra margin beyond the panel weight, so the capacity multiplier is smallest for crawler cranes. In contrast, hydraulic or conventional cranes tend to require larger margins due to dynamics, rigging complexity, or less favorable base/support, making their multipliers larger. Therefore, the crawler crane is the best fit for needing the smallest multiplier relative to the heaviest panel including rigging.