What are common rigging configurations used with a mobile crane, and what factors influence the choice?

• A. Straight lift with single or multiple legs, choker hitch, basket hitch, bridle rigging; chosen based on load CG, attachment points, stability, required angle, and capacity distribution
• B. Bridle rigging only
• C. Basket hitch is never used for mobile cranes
• D. Rigging configuration is chosen by the crane operator's preference

Answer: (A)

Understanding how a load is rigged for a mobile crane focuses on distributing forces safely and selecting lifting points that match the load’s geometry. The configurations you use—straight lift with single or multiple legs, choker hitch, basket hitch, and bridle rigging—each serve different situations and help control how the load reacts when lifted.

A straight lift is the simplest and often used when the load has suitable lifting points and you want a direct line of pull from the crane hook. Using single or multiple legs arranged close to the load’s center of gravity minimizes lateral forces and keeps the lift efficient, provided the crane has enough capacity for the weight and the reach required.

A choker hitch cinches around a lifting point on the load, which can secure a ring or eye and reduce the need for additional attachment points. This method can increase the tension in the sling and may tighten around sharp or delicate edges, so it’s chosen when existing hooks or rings are available and the load can tolerate that loading pattern.

A basket hitch places the sling under the load to form a cradle, distributing support across the underside. This is useful when the load can’t be lifted from a single point or when you want to keep the load level during ascent, but you must ensure the load surface won’t be damaged and that the sling angles won’t create excessive tension.

Bridle rigging uses two or more legs attached to multiple points on the load, spreading the force and improving stability for awkward or heavy items. This setup is ideal when the load has several suitable lifting points and you need to balance forces to prevent rotation or tipping.

The choice is influenced by where the load’s center of gravity sits, what attachment points are available, how stable you need the load to be during the lift, the sling angles you can achieve, and how the load’s forces distribute across all lifting points relative to the crane’s capacity.