What is the primary factor that affects a crane's stability?

The primary factor that affects a crane's stability is the crane radius. The crane radius refers to the horizontal distance from the center of the crane's rotation to the point where the load is being lifted. As the load is extended further away from this center point, the moment arm increases, which can lead to a greater tipping force acting on the crane.

When a crane is in operation, if the load is positioned too far from its center of rotation, the risk of overturning increases, making it crucial for operators to always consider the crane's radius when calculating lift capacities and planning hoisting operations. Maintaining the load’s position within the designated operating radius is vital for ensuring that the crane remains stable and is not subjected to excessive leverage that could lead to failure or accidents.

The weight of the crane, boom length, and type of load being lifted are also important considerations, but they play a supporting role in understanding overall crane stability. The effective management of radius is fundamental to safe crane operation.