Selecting the correct crane for a mining or industrial project isn’t just about lifting capacity — it’s about matching the machine to the expected usage intensity. This is where the concepts of load groups (B classes) and duty classes (H classes) come into play. These classifications help engineers and decision-makers choose cranes that won’t just work — they’ll last.
What Are Load Groups and Duty Classes?
These classifications originate from standards like DIN 15018 and are widely used in crane design across Europe and globally.
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Duty Class (H): Reflects the frequency and duration of crane operations.
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Load Group (B): Reflects the intensity and repetition of the applied loads.
They’re used in tandem to classify cranes for different working environments.
Common Duty Classes (H1 to H4)
| H-Class | Application | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| H1 | Infrequent, light-duty use | Maintenance or assembly cranes |
| H2 | Occasional use | Workshop cranes |
| H3 | Frequent use | Manufacturing or logistics cranes |
| H4 | Continuous heavy-duty operations | Mining, steelworks, or dockside cranes |
Load Groups (B1 to B6)
| B-Class | Load Severity | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| B1–B2 | Very light/light loads | Manual hoists, small lifting tools |
| B3–B4 | Medium load, moderate frequency | General-purpose industrial cranes |
| B5–B6 | Heavy loads, high repetition | Steel mills, mining, container ports |
Examples in Mining Applications
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A portal crane in a quarry working 16 hours a day with moderate loads may fall into H4/B5.
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A gantry crane for occasional pipe installation could be H2/B3.
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A magnet crane at a scrapyard may be H3/B6, handling high loads frequently.
Why It Matters
Underrating a crane’s load group or duty class can lead to:
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Premature wear or mechanical failure
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Costly unplanned maintenance
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Serious safety hazards
Overrating it leads to unnecessary costs and bulk.
The key is accurate load forecasting and understanding the true operational profile of the equipment.
Properly defining the duty class and load group is the cornerstone of reliable crane performance in mining and industrial environments. With the right classification, your crane will meet the demands — without breaking down or breaking the budget.