On Fri, 27 Jan 2006 17:35:56 -0600, Paul G. Shultz wrote:
As a crane operator I would not want to drop a 3000 to 4000 pound weight
suddenly. When the weight is released suddenly the boom bounces upward.
Whether or not that results in damage to the crane depends on a lot of
variables including capacity of crane, skill of the operator, hydraulic
or lattice boom crane. It would not be considered safe practice.

Yeah, about that - before dropping a car, you'll want to check with your
school's and FD's insurance companies. I bet the whole question goes
away pretty quick, to be honest.

We always just bash the cars up pretty good with a backhoe. Seems that
about half our department owns one or has owned one.

Dave Hinz