Operating a lorry crane requires steady attention to equipment condition, site layout, and personal habits that keep each lift controlled and predictable.

Pre-operation inspection

Before work begins, check the crane body, boom sections, hydraulic lines, ropes, hooks, and safety devices for visible wear or damage and confirm all control levers move freely.

Assess the job site

Walk the work area to identify slopes, soft ground, overhead lines, and nearby traffic, then select a position that gives the crane room to swing and places stabilizers on firm ground.

Know the controls

Become familiar with the cab layout or remote control layout before starting lifts, practice basic motions at low speed, and confirm the emergency stop and indicator lights operate as expected.

Safe rigging and lifting

Use rated slings, shackles, and spreader bars that match the load; check sling angles and make a short test lift to confirm balance before moving the load.

Outriggers and ground contact

Deploy outriggers fully and use pads when needed, observe manufacturer span limits, and re-check pad position after any repositioning or ground settlement.

Clear communication

Establish simple hand signals or radio phrases with ground staff, keep a single signal person for each lift when visibility is limited, and confirm the signal person is in a safe position before lifting.

Responding to warnings

If alarms, overload indicators, or unusual sounds appear, stop operations immediately, lower the load to a safe position, and inspect the problem before resuming work.

Routine maintenance and checks

Keep a log of daily checks, scheduled servicing, and any repairs performed on the boom, winches, hydraulics, and electrical systems so faults are found before they affect lifting tasks.

Operator competence and refresh training

Maintain operator skills with regular practice and site-specific briefings, review lifting procedures when tasks change, and record training sessions to support consistent performance.