How to Use the Aerial Work Platform Reach & Load Calculator
When working from a boom lift or similar aerial work platform, you need to know both how far the boom can extend and how much it can safely carry at that position. This calculator uses boom length and angle to compute horizontal reach and rise with basic trigonometry, then applies the machine's rated moment to estimate the reference allowable load at that reach.
Horizontal reach is reach (ft) = boom length ร cos(angle), and platform rise is rise (ft) = boom length ร sin(angle) โ standard trigonometric relationships. Allowable load is estimated as load (lb) = rated moment (lb-ft) รท reach (ft), a simplified version of the moment-based load limiting principle used across aerial work platform safety standards such as ANSI/SAIA A92, which assumes a fixed tipping moment capacity that yields less allowable load as reach increases.
A real machine's actual allowable load also depends on boom extension state, jib angle, and whether outriggers are deployed, and is precisely defined by the manufacturer's load chart. Treat this calculator's result as a rough reference only โ always check the equipment's rated load chart on the data plate and get sign-off from your site safety manager before working at height.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's listed on the manufacturer's load chart or the equipment's data plate. This value varies by model, so always check the actual specification for the machine you're using.
The farther the boom extends horizontally, the greater the tipping moment trying to overturn the machine. Since the rated moment is fixed, the safe load you can carry drops in inverse proportion to reach.