How to Choose the Right Crane - and the Body to Match

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Choosing a crane isn’t just about how much weight it can lift. It’s also about where that weight needs to go and how your truck body supports the crane’s performance. Understanding key crane ratings, like pounds and foot-pounds, is the first step in making an informed decision—followed closely by selecting a crane body that can handle the job just as reliably.

Crane Ratings: Pounds vs. Foot-Pounds
When evaluating cranes, you’ll typically encounter two types of ratings:

1. Pounds: The Basic Weight Capacity
The pound rating is the simplest and most straightforward way to measure a crane or body’s lifting capacity, but this rating applies only when the load is at the crane’s optimal lifting point – with the crane boom fully retracted and at a high lifting angle. So it is not very useful in establishing your required crane lifting capacity.

2. Foot-Pounds: The Lifting Moment
The foot-pounds rating, on the other hand, is a more detailed measurement. This rating doesn’t just tell you the weight a crane can lift; it also considers how far the load is from the crane’s base. This is known as the “lifting moment”. 

The lifting moment is a combination of both the weight of the load and the distance it is from the crane’s base. A 2,000 pound load, 10 feet away from the crane base center, for example has a lifting moment of 20,000 foot-pounds (10 feet x 2,000 pounds). The further the load is from the crane’s base, the more effort it takes to lift, which is why foot-pounds are used to measure the true lifting capacity of the crane. 

Why Does This Matter? 
When you’re selecting a crane or body for your truck, the foot-pounds rating gives you a clearer understanding of the crane’s capabilities across different lifting scenarios. See the appropriate crane lifting chart from the crane manufacturer of your choice for a detailed visual of weight and distances and boom angles that the selected crane can handle.  A crane with a higher foot-pounds rating can handle heavier loads at greater distances, meaning it’s better equipped for greater lift options. On the other hand, a lower foot-pounds rating might indicate a crane that’s suitable for lighter tasks or shorter reaches. 

Knowing both the weight capacity and the lifting moment is crucial for ensuring that your truck and crane setup are suited for the specific tasks you need to perform. Whether you’re lifting materials close to the crane or working at a distance, understanding these ratings will help you make an informed decision. 

See the Chart Below for Our Offering Capabilities 
To help you further understand how different crane and body ratings compare, we’ve included a chart below that outlines our full range of options. Whether you need something lightweight or capable of handling more heavy-duty tasks, this chart provides an easy reference to find the right fit for your needs. 

Our Model	Lift moment rating range (foot-pound)	Crane Weight Capacity (pounds)
RM-25 _(Electric)	11,500 – 25,000	3,200 – 5,000
RM-35 _(Electric)	25,000 – 39,000	5,000 – 6,000
RM-45 _(Hydraulic)	32,500 – 45,000	5,000 – 8,000
RM-78 _(Hydraulic)	45,000 – 78,000	8,000 – 12,500

 *Cranes with lower lift moment ratings than shown are available with our bodies.

Choosing the right crane for your needs isn’t just about the weight it can lift, but also about how far it can extend that lifting power. By understanding the difference between pounds and foot-pound, you can select the right equipment for your projects, ensuring safety, efficiency, and success on every job. 

Learn more about our RM Crane Body offerings here. 