If you are planning to lift and shift within a short distance in a static position, and the operators are capable of coordinating with each other, then it can be possible. However, if you are planning to erect at some height, the capacity of the lift will be reduced based on the boom length and height.
Let us wait for the opinion/guidance from our safety expert members.
From India, Kumbakonam
Let us wait for the opinion/guidance from our safety expert members.
From India, Kumbakonam
Tandem lift is permitted provided that those cranes are of the same type. For example, one side hydraulic crane and the other side mechanically operated crane are not permitted. Before a tandem lift, a lifting plan and rigging study have to be conducted. The radius of the lift and SWC of cranes shall be known before deciding on the usage of cranes. Without the radius and the load chart details of the cranes, we can't provide you with any suggestions.
Pon
From India, Lucknow
Pon
From India, Lucknow
Hello! It’s my opinion that it can be harmful to use two different cranes cause it can be dangerous at any time. Thanks & regards... Sourav Chandra
From India, Kolkata
From India, Kolkata
Sometimes, it is dangerous to lift long or oversized materials with a single crane. Tandem lifts are a universally accepted practice. In one of our projects, we used three cranes to erect a long gallery due to ground situations. The only thing is we have to follow all safety procedures and the lift plan.
Pon
From India, Lucknow
Pon
From India, Lucknow
We have erected a 42-ton raft with two 75-ton cranes at a height of 27 meters. In this scenario, the weight of the girder/raft and the required height for placement must be considered when selecting the cranes for lifting and erection.
From India, Kumbakonam
From India, Kumbakonam
Hello Itsamals,
My view is similar to those expressed above. Two cranes can be used, provided it is for transfer operation at the ground level. To use at elevated levels, it has to be decided after seeing the LIFT Vs LOAD chart of both the cranes and with the knowledge of an expert. You should also consider the type of load. If it is a uniformly distributed load, the lifting task is relatively easy. Otherwise, the uneven distribution (lopsided objects have CG - Centre of Gravity - away from the geometric centre) will pose a challenge. Synchronization between the two operators is also a very important aspect.
V. Raghunathan
From India
My view is similar to those expressed above. Two cranes can be used, provided it is for transfer operation at the ground level. To use at elevated levels, it has to be decided after seeing the LIFT Vs LOAD chart of both the cranes and with the knowledge of an expert. You should also consider the type of load. If it is a uniformly distributed load, the lifting task is relatively easy. Otherwise, the uneven distribution (lopsided objects have CG - Centre of Gravity - away from the geometric centre) will pose a challenge. Synchronization between the two operators is also a very important aspect.
V. Raghunathan
From India
Position the cranes and booms at initial position, where the material is to be lifted; find out the safe working load of the cranes; then reposition them to where the material is to be shifted. Again, find out the SWL. If the SWLs of both cranes do not exceed the actual load of the material, then lifting with tandem or critical plan is possible.
Note: In our project, 7 cranes of 30-ton capacity were used several times.
From Kuwait, Kuwait
Note: In our project, 7 cranes of 30-ton capacity were used several times.
From Kuwait, Kuwait
Hello Mr. Ramesh,
You have provided a good suggestion. I need clarification on one point. You mentioned, "if both SWLs of both cranes do not exceed the actual load of the material," I believe the combined SWL of both cranes should be greater than the actual load to ensure safety.
V. Raghunathan
From India
You have provided a good suggestion. I need clarification on one point. You mentioned, "if both SWLs of both cranes do not exceed the actual load of the material," I believe the combined SWL of both cranes should be greater than the actual load to ensure safety.
V. Raghunathan
From India
Hello, Mr. Raghunathan,
Here is the clarification:
Weight of the material to be shifted - 40.0 tons
SWL of crane 1 at initial position - 30.5 tons
SWL of crane 2 at initial position - 27.0 tons
Total capacity of cranes at initial position - 57.5 tons
SWL of crane 1 at final position - 24.5 tons
SWL of crane 2 at final position - 21.5 tons
Total capacity of cranes at final position - 46.0 tons
In both positions, the total capacity exceeds the weight of the material (40.0 tons). Here, tandem/critical lift is possible. In other words, we can say that the total capacity of the cranes should be more than the weight of the material by at least 10 to 15%.
Ramesh Dharmarajan
From Kuwait, Kuwait
Here is the clarification:
Weight of the material to be shifted - 40.0 tons
SWL of crane 1 at initial position - 30.5 tons
SWL of crane 2 at initial position - 27.0 tons
Total capacity of cranes at initial position - 57.5 tons
SWL of crane 1 at final position - 24.5 tons
SWL of crane 2 at final position - 21.5 tons
Total capacity of cranes at final position - 46.0 tons
In both positions, the total capacity exceeds the weight of the material (40.0 tons). Here, tandem/critical lift is possible. In other words, we can say that the total capacity of the cranes should be more than the weight of the material by at least 10 to 15%.
Ramesh Dharmarajan
From Kuwait, Kuwait
Hello Mr. Ramesh Dharamarajan,
Thank you for the detailed explanation with an example. The numerical example dispels whatever doubt that one would have while lifting the job with two cranes. In the example given above, the combined SWL of both the cranes is MORE THAN THE JOB WEIGHT, ensuring Safety. This aspect is satisfied in the pre-lift and lift conditions. However, when you made the first post, you have mentioned it the other way, perhaps due to oversight.
If both SWLs of both cranes do not exceed the actual load of the material, INCORRECT, if both SWLs of both cranes exceed the actual load of the material by about 15%,... CORRECT
Please make the correction (of the clerical error) accordingly in your first post.
V. Raghunathan
From India
Thank you for the detailed explanation with an example. The numerical example dispels whatever doubt that one would have while lifting the job with two cranes. In the example given above, the combined SWL of both the cranes is MORE THAN THE JOB WEIGHT, ensuring Safety. This aspect is satisfied in the pre-lift and lift conditions. However, when you made the first post, you have mentioned it the other way, perhaps due to oversight.
If both SWLs of both cranes do not exceed the actual load of the material, INCORRECT, if both SWLs of both cranes exceed the actual load of the material by about 15%,... CORRECT
Please make the correction (of the clerical error) accordingly in your first post.
V. Raghunathan
From India
Dear Mr.Itsamals,
From the query it is clear that you are not conversant with crane rigging. For God’s sake don’t get carried away with the “I think…….” answers in rigging. Tandem lift is a serious and dangerous operation. For that matter every lifting operation need be considered as serious and dangerous. The history of crane failures says so. Consequences of a failure can be quite serious. However by following the set procedures every lift can be completed safely and relax at the end.
A tandem lift (using multiple cranes) is a critical lift. It requires a lift plan.
A competent rigger only will draw a lift plan.
A lift plan is required as part of any critical lift procedure and must provide the following:
1. Type and de-rated capacity of cranes to assess SWL of the cranes (load chart) in the configuration
2. Boom length
3. Crane radius
4. Weight and shape of the load, center of gravity etc.
5. Ground and site conditions
6. Placement of the crane
7. Swing and tail clearances
8. Necessary communication to be used
9. Explanation of hand signals
10. Rigging hardware
11. Rigging sketch.
12. Rated capacity of rigging components
13. Sling angles
14. Strain calculations
15. Wind velocity
16. Load moment indicator
17. Others
Your cranes as such cannot lift the intended load and no rigger/competent person will permit it..
Regards,
Kesava Pillai
From India, Kollam
From the query it is clear that you are not conversant with crane rigging. For God’s sake don’t get carried away with the “I think…….” answers in rigging. Tandem lift is a serious and dangerous operation. For that matter every lifting operation need be considered as serious and dangerous. The history of crane failures says so. Consequences of a failure can be quite serious. However by following the set procedures every lift can be completed safely and relax at the end.
A tandem lift (using multiple cranes) is a critical lift. It requires a lift plan.
A competent rigger only will draw a lift plan.
A lift plan is required as part of any critical lift procedure and must provide the following:
1. Type and de-rated capacity of cranes to assess SWL of the cranes (load chart) in the configuration
2. Boom length
3. Crane radius
4. Weight and shape of the load, center of gravity etc.
5. Ground and site conditions
6. Placement of the crane
7. Swing and tail clearances
8. Necessary communication to be used
9. Explanation of hand signals
10. Rigging hardware
11. Rigging sketch.
12. Rated capacity of rigging components
13. Sling angles
14. Strain calculations
15. Wind velocity
16. Load moment indicator
17. Others
Your cranes as such cannot lift the intended load and no rigger/competent person will permit it..
Regards,
Kesava Pillai
From India, Kollam
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