Crane and Lifting Equipment Terminology

Front

ASME

Back

American Society of Mechanical Engineers; an organization that sets codes and standards for mechanical devices, including cranes and lifting equipment.

Front

Boom

Back

The long, extendable arm of a crane used to lift and move loads.

Front

Shackle

Back

A U-shaped metal connector with a pin used to attach lifting slings or chains to a load or lifting device.

Front

Boom Drift

Back

The sideways deflection or bending of a crane boom under load.

Front

Swing Drift

Back

The lateral movement or deflection of a crane's boom or load when swinging the crane.

Front

Radius

Back

The horizontal distance from the center of the crane's rotation to the load or hook.

Front

Two Blocking

Back

A dangerous condition in which the crane hook is pulled into the boom tip, causing potential damage or failure.

Front

Dynamic loading

Back

Loads are applied suddenly or with motion, causing greater stress than static loads.

Front

Dynamic unloading

Back

A condition in which a load is suddenly removed or reduced, causing the crane or structure to react abruptly.

Front

Whip line

Back

The secondary hoist line or cable on a crane.