Case Study of a Small Crane Tipping Over: How Terrain, Outriggers, and Torque Became the Culprits
🚧 Why Do Small Cranes Tip Over? Turns Out It's Not Just About the Weight...
I recently saw a video on Threads where a small crane tipped over during operation, stunning everyone. The crane wasn't lifting anything particularly large, so why did it topple over?
Video source: @shuai_0203
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💬 User Comments
seker19122: "The gods wanted a crane. Burning it together is more sincere."
blacktea1025: "Why did it tip over? The arm was extended too far."
tkgp62: "The boss: Damn it... it tipped over lifting just that?"
aaron808281: "Did the driver fall out? 😳"
bbb___915: "The crane operator is quite sincere, even kneeling in worship."
🤔 Reasons for Tipping Over (In Simple Terms)
Awkward Terrain: Uphill + Downhill Operation
The crane was parked uphill, but the boom was extended downhill. It's like standing on top of a slope and reaching down to grab something—you can easily be pulled over.
Outriggers on a "Landmine"
The ground on the downhill side was soft with poor load-bearing capacity. As soon as the outrigger was pressed down, it sank, causing the entire vehicle's center of gravity to become imbalanced.
Boom Extended Too Far, Becoming a Large Lever
Small cranes have no counterweights; they rely on their own weight and outriggers. When the boom is extended, the leverage effect magnifies the weight of the load and the boom itself, resulting in a "customer for life" tip-over.
No Counterweight = Relies on Skill
Small cranes, unlike large ones, don't have counterweights to increase stability. Therefore, it's crucial to choose the right terrain and control the boom length, otherwise, the center of gravity can easily shift.
✅ How to Prevent Crane Tipping?
Secure the Foundation, So the Vehicle Stands Firm
Small cranes have no counterweights; they rely on the foundation. Concrete is best, but if it's soil, use thick pads to prevent the outriggers from sinking like high heels in grass.
Not Fully Extending Outriggers = Asking to Tip Over
The outriggers are your four legs. Not extending them fully is like standing on one leg—a gust of wind can knock you over. The pads must be thick enough, and larger pads provide more stability.
The Boom Isn't for Random Extension; It's for Calculating Radius
Extending the boom isn't the problem; the problem is knowing "how far you can extend it." Exceeding the small crane's limit means tipping over is not an accident, but an inevitability.
Level the Crane on Slopes, or It's All for Nothing
If the vehicle isn't level, the center of gravity is off. No matter how careful you are, it won't last long. The leveler isn't a decoration; it's a lifesaver.
Move Slowly, So You Don't Scare Yourself
Slewing, extending, and lowering the hook must be steady. Moving too fast is like sudden braking; the impact force is fiercer than the load itself. Slower is truly faster.
📖 Conclusion
A small crane tips over not because the "load is too heavy," but because of a combination of terrain, center of gravity, and operating methods. Remember: "A small crane has no counterweight; it relies on terrain and experience. If the ground isn't stable, don't push it. Stability is more important than speed."
