Which two elements are considered when determining the crane's center of gravity?

Which two elements are considered when determining the crane's center of gravity?

• A. Counterweight and base
• B. Rail and track
• C. Upper Works and counterweight
• D. Cab and controls

Answer: (C)

Center of gravity is the single point where the crane’s total weight can be considered to act. For a crane, the dominant factors that determine that point are the mass and location of the upper works (the rotating, hoisting portion above the carrier) and the counterweight that balances it. These two elements define how far the overall weight is offset from the base as the crane moves and lifts, which directly affects stability. The base and rails provide the support and footprint, but they don’t set the crane’s center of gravity—the heavy components that move and carry loads do. The cab and controls are part of the upper works, so they’re included in that overall mass distribution.

Center of gravity is the single point where the crane’s total weight can be considered to act. For a crane, the dominant factors that determine that point are the mass and location of the upper works (the rotating, hoisting portion above the carrier) and the counterweight that balances it. These two elements define how far the overall weight is offset from the base as the crane moves and lifts, which directly affects stability. The base and rails provide the support and footprint, but they don’t set the crane’s center of gravity—the heavy components that move and carry loads do. The cab and controls are part of the upper works, so they’re included in that overall mass distribution.