Lift Planning
Lift Planning Software tools, such as a ground-bearing-pressure estimator and an outrigger pad-load calculator.
These are more accessible tools to support lift planning, particularly when users need to assess ground conditions and outrigger loads without developing a full lift plan.
Both 3D Lift Plan and CRANIMAX CRANEbee also include crane selection. Users specify requirements such as radius, capacity, setup distance, and obstructions, and the software identifies crane configurations that can make the lift.
For VPC-equipped crawler cranes, such as the MLC300 and MLC650, the tools can also help determine counterweight position for a specific lift configuration. That information helps assess tail swing and ground-bearing pressure even before the crane arrives.
Manitowoc’ s lift-planning tools cover a wide range of crane types.
CRANIMAX CRANEbee supports the full Grove GMK all terrain crane lineup, as well as the MLC300 and MLC650 crawler cranes equipped with( VPC) variable position counterweights.
3D Lift Plan supports Manitowoc crawler cranes, National Crane boom trucks, and Grove all terrain, carry deck, rough terrain, telescopic boom crawler, and truck-mounted cranes.
One of the more recent developments is the software’ s ability to account for variable crane capacities based on configuration.
For example, the capacity of some VPC-equipped crawler cranes can change when using the locked counterweight function.
On other cranes, capacity can vary with outrigger span.
Lift-planning tools can help predict the resulting capacities.
Manitowoc updates lift-planning tools as new crane models are introduced and existing models are modified, so the software stays usable across the evolving product range.
Tadano America
Tadano said it offers many tools and technologies to help users plan jobs and lifts effectively and efficiently.
They all have the same goal: creating a streamlined, data-driven process that maximizes capacity, improves safety, and increases fleet utilization.
The first is Crane Select +, a fast, intuitive way to identify the ideal crane and configuration for a job.
Its minimal input requirements, advanced filtering, and ability to simultaneously evaluate many load cases help find the right crane quickly, reducing unnecessary equipment mobilization.
The Working Range tool uses advanced technologies such as IC-1 Plus, AML-F Smart Chart, and asymmetric outrigger configurations to reveal a crane’ s lifting potential.
Real-time slewing-angle-dependent capacities and optimized outrigger positioning help users do more with the equipment they already own.
The Outrigger Reaction tool instantly calculates outrigger loads and ground-bearing pressures, validates support requirements, and ensures every setup is safe and efficient
3D Planner lets a Tadano user create accurate lift plans anywhere on any device.
Its intuitive online environment simplifies planning while providing the accuracy needed for complex projects.
Together, Tadano’ s tools create a seamless workflow that helps contractors, lift planners, and crane operators plan faster and make lifts more safely and efficiently.
The good news is that today’ s lifting-industry professionals have many ways to develop lift plans that make projects go smoother, more efficiently, and more safely.
LiftPlanner software works with many types of cranes and imports easily into CAD programs.
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November 2026 • www. cranehotline. com