What is the gross load?

• A. The total weight of the load alone
• B. The total weight of the load plus rigging, hook block, and all pieces of equipment hanging off the boom
• C. The net weight of the load
• D. The rated capacity

Answer: (B)

In crane operation, gross load is the total weight the crane must lift, including the actual load plus all attachments and equipment that are hanging off the boom, such as rigging, the hook block, and other gear. This is why the gross load is larger than just the weight of the object being moved. For example, if the load weighs 5,000 pounds and the rigging, hook block, and other attached equipment add up to 800 pounds, the gross load is 5,800 pounds. The total weight of the load alone is the net weight, which excludes the rigging and attachments. The rated capacity is the maximum safe load the crane can lift, not the actual weight at a given moment.