Hi Grant
I have a (Chinese) two ton engine crane, the type that has two legs that form a V when down and in use and fold up.
Similar to this one http://www.manualhandlingsolutions.co.uk/images/FOLDING_WORKSHOP_CRANE.jpg
It has been a very handy machine around the workshop however it is not very laterally stable, the legs are not wide enough and the Jib is rather flimsy.
Working on concrete it is OK although I always find using not without some trepidation. I would be most wary of using it on bare earth, it might topple.
When I use mine I use it for straight up and down lifting. And never try to push it sideways with a load suspended high. Sometimes you have to move it back from say a bench or the back of a truck to allow the load to clear, but as soon as the load is clear I drop it down as near as possible to the floor. Only then do I try to push the crane around to move the load. The lower the center of gravity for the crane and load the better.
Oh, And never ever allow any part of your body to be under the load or near a crushing point should it let go.
These cranes would never pass a crane inspection for industrial use. Used carefully they are a great help however we must be aware of their limitations and there are many.
Regards
John
Edited By John McNamara on 27/12/2015 06:05:46