Crane LMI System- Overview

What’s Load Moment Indicator(LMI)?

LMI system measures the angle, load weight, operating radius, and extension of the boom and compares these with the manufacturer’s crane specifications to determine whether the lift is safe or not. LMI system utilizes multiple sensors fitted on the crane parts to analyze each of the measured parameters, then further display it in the operator’s cabin via a monitor. In short, the Load Moment Indicator provides the crane operator with the information necessary to fully use the crane’s capacity while keeping lifting safe within the working limits of the crane. The downside of a load moment indicator is the high cost of calibrating the empty and loaded boom configurations.

What’s the difference between LMI and Crane Camera?

There are various names in the market for crane systems, therefore people often get confused about them. But ultimately, it is divided into two big categories.

Load Moment Indicator (LMI)

Load Moment Indicator (LMI), also popularly known as Rated Capacity Indicators (RCI), is a device installed on lattice cranes, mobile cranes, or tower cranes to warn the crane operator when the load lifted is exceeding the crane manufacturer’s suggested lifting capacity. In some cases, the device is also known as Automatic Safe Load Indicator (ASLI) or Safe Load Indicator (SLI). 

The system measures the angle, load weight, operating radius, and extension of the boom and compares these with the manufacturer’s crane specifications to determine whether the lift is safe or not. LMI system utilizes multiple sensors fitted on the crane parts to analyze each of the measured parameters, then further display it in the operator’s cabin via a monitor. In short, the Load Moment Indicator provides the crane operator with the information necessary to fully use the crane’s capacity while keeping lifting safe within the working limits of the crane. The downside of a load moment indicator is the high cost of calibrating the empty and loaded boom configurations.

Crane Hook Camera (Crane CCTV)

Wireless Crane Hook Camera also known as Crane CCTV system or Crane Camera is a crane operator’s lifting-assistant device that provides real-time audio and video feed from below the hook and surrounding area. Similar to LMI in way that they are both crane safety monitoring devices but they are actually built for a different purpose and can be used together while operating cranes. LMI is constructed to ensure the crane does not overload, while a wireless crane hook camera is built to prevent blind lifting.

Wireless Crane Hook Camera is suitable for all types of cranes, most often seen on tower cranes and mobile cranes. The device is not only helpful for crane operators during lifting, but office and HSE managers can also remotely monitor the situation on construction sites for safety management.

Both devices are designed for efficiency and productivity improvement for crane operation.

What Solution (LMI or Crane Camera) Fits My Operations?

Both devices can be used together during crane operation as both devices serve different purposes. LMI is built to prevent moment overload, while a wireless hook crane camera is built to prevent blind lifting. The ultimate goal for both devices is to ensure safety during crane operation.

Both devices are equally important for safety management at the work site. Hence, it is recommended to use both devices.