<p>Cable cranes are increasingly utilized for the accelerated construction of large-span bridges due to their high lifting and spanning capacities, precise positioning capabilities, and adaptability to challenging terrains. However, the complex cable-pulley interaction between the saddle and main cable poses significant challenges for finite element analysis using traditional methods or programs. To address this, the study proposes a simplified method for the finite element analysis of cable cranes to capture the mechanical behavior accurately, accounting for cable-pulley interaction. In this paper, the predominate analytical methods for the cable crane calculation, including the parabolic method and catenary method, are derived and compared through parametric analysis. Subsequently, a simplified analysis method is proposed for facilitating the calculation of the cable crane, based on the principles of equal cable tensions on both sides of the saddle and the constant unstressed length of the main cable. Finally, the proposed method is validated through analytical solutions and field experiments of the cable crane. This research offers an efficient numerical approach and valuable experimental data for the design and optimization of cable cranes in bridge engineering.</p>