What concrete skip capacity do I need for my crane? Load chart and mistakes to avoid
Buying an oversized concrete skip "just to be safe" is the most expensive mistake we see on site: either the crane can't handle it when full, or it constantly operates at its limit. In this guide, we'll show you how to calculate in 2 minutes what skip capacity your crane can handle, with real load charts and the pitfalls you should avoid. We explain it from the workshop: we have been manufacturing concrete skips in Galicia for over 20 years.
The calculation you need to make (and many skip)
Fresh concrete weighs approximately 2,400 kg per cubic meter. And the skip itself also has weight. So the actual load your crane supports is:
Total load = (skip capacity in liters × 2.4 kg) + empty skip weight
Example with a 500-liter GOYDU concrete skip (CH500LC): 500 L × 2.4 kg = 1,200 kg of concrete + 118 kg for the skip = 1,318 kg hanging from the hook. If your crane lifts 1,000 kg at the jib end, that full skip cannot be used there. This is the calculation you need to make before buying.
Table: What concrete skip you need according to your crane's load capacity
| Available crane capacity* | Recommended skip | Concrete + skip | 2026 Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,000 kg | CH350LC — 350 L | 840 + 104 = 944 kg | €820 + VAT |
| Up to 1,500 kg | CH500LC — 500 L | 1,200 + 118 = 1,318 kg | €990 + VAT |
| Up to 2,200 kg | CH750LC — 750 L | 1,800 + 172 = 1,972 kg | €1,210 + VAT |
| Up to 2,800 kg or more | CH1000LC — 1,000 L | 2,400 + 200 = 2,600 kg | €1,470 + VAT |
*Load at the trolley position where you will be concreting (at the jib end it is usually the lowest). Always leave a safety margin.
👉 All measurements and maximum loads can be found in the 2026 price catalog (PDF) and in the concrete skip collection.
The detail almost no one checks: the load at the jib end
A tower crane does not lift the same amount next to the tower as it does at the end of the jib. A "4-ton crane" might only handle 1,000-1,200 kg at the jib end. And the pillar you need to concrete is almost never next to the tower.
Practical rule: choose the skip based on your crane's jib end load, not the crane's maximum catalog load. If you are debating between two sizes and often work at the jib end, the smaller one will give you more cycles without issues; the larger one only pays off if your crane has ample real capacity.
The 4 most expensive mistakes when choosing capacity
1. Buying based on "mixer liters" and not crane kilograms
Just because the truck brings 8 m³ doesn't mean your crane can move 1,000 L skips. The skip is chosen based on the crane, not the concrete mixer.
2. Forgetting the weight of the skip itself
Between 104 and 200 kg depending on the model. For cranes with tight capacity, this weight determines whether you can work at the jib end or not.
3. Always working at 100% of maximum load
Lifting equipment that always operates at its limit wears out faster. At GOYDU, we declare maximum loads with a conservative approach —the margin works in favor of your equipment—, but it's still advisable not to live at the limit.
4. Saving on steel
A lightweight 350 L skip weighs ~80 kg; a GOYDU CH350LC weighs 104 kg. That 30% more steel is the difference between replacing your skip every 2-3 years or never thinking about it again. We explain it with numbers in our complete guide to concrete skips.
What if my case isn't standard?
Small crane but tall pillars? Special discharge mouth? Longer chute? We manufacture custom equipment: we adapt capacity, mouth, and chute to your project, with CE marking and a fixed price in 24-48 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a full concrete skip weigh?
Liters × 2.4 kg + the weight of the skip. A full 500 L skip is around 1,318 kg; a 1,000 L one, around 2,600 kg.
Can I partially fill the skip for a crane with limited capacity?
Yes, it's a common practice: a CH500LC at half load (~718 kg) works where a full 350 L would. But if you're always going to work this way, getting the right skip for your crane is more cost-effective.
Which skip is the best-seller?
The CH500LC 500 L: a perfect balance between per-cycle performance and compatibility with most residential construction tower cranes.
Do you ship throughout Spain?
Yes, we ship from our workshop in Cambre (A Coruña) to all of Spain. Shipping costs depend on the agency and destination.
Doubts about your specific crane? Tell us and we'll calculate it for you
Send us your crane model or its load chart, and we'll tell you within the day which skip is best for you. Ask for a no-obligation quote, call 608 125 870 or write to us via WhatsApp. You'll be speaking directly with the manufacturer.