Final answer:
The rigging configuration with the highest number of ropes supporting the load, such as a multiple pulley system, will allow the greatest amount of weight to be picked up due to increased mechanical advantage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of rigging configuration that will allow the greatest amount of weight to be picked up when using a sling in a crane setup is one that maximizes the mechanical advantage. In the context of pulleys, the mechanical advantage (IMA) is determined by the number of ropes supporting the load. The setup with the highest number of ropes sharing the load will permit the heaviest weight to be lifted. This is because the tension in each rope adds to the total lifting capacity, and each additional rope effectively spreads the force required to lift the weight more evenly. Therefore, a pulley system with multiple ropes supporting the weight will allow for a heavier load to be lifted compared to a system with fewer ropes.
For example, if a pulley system has three ropes supporting a load, the force exertion required by the person or motor pulling on the rope is distributed across the three ropes. Each rope carries a portion of the weight, meaning the lifter only needs to exert one-third of the force that would be necessary without the pulleys, assuming the system is ideal and ignoring friction and other losses.
Note on Safety
It is crucial to understand that the actual lifting capacity of any rigging system is also subject to the strength and quality of the materials used, as well as compliance with safety regulations and manufacturer's instructions.