The high failure rate of crane brake results from improper choice of braking torque. The mathematical model of reliability for the crane brake parameters is introduced. Based on large amount of actual data the parameter reliabilities of 5-50 t general overhead travelling cranes are calculated, the probabilities that the braking torque is less than the static torque acting on the axle when the load moves down are obtained. Moreover, the ways to improve the reliability of brake parameters are discussed, the most reasonable values of braking safety coefficient are given. The high failure rate of crane brake results from improper choice of braking torque. The mathematical model of reliability for the crane brake parameters is introduced. Based on large amount of actual data the parameter reliabilities of 5-50 t general overhead traveling cranes are calculated, the probabilities that the braking torque is less than the static torque acting on the axle when the load moves are obtained.