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Question 1Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
On a crane load chart, rated capacity is best described as which of the following?
- The load that will cause the crane to tip at that radius
- The payload weight only, with block and rigging excluded
- The maximum gross load allowed at that radius Correct answer.
- The breaking strength of the boom hoist wire rope divided by two
Explanation
Rated capacity is the maximum gross load the manufacturer permits for the charted boom length, radius, and configuration, and it already reflects structural and stability limits. Every item hanging below the boom head counts against that value.
Question 2Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
Lifting radius on a crane load chart is measured from which point?
- The boom tip to the nearest edge of the load
- The center of rotation to the center of gravity of the load Correct answer.
- The nearest outrigger float to the hook
- The boom foot pin to the hoist line
Explanation
Radius is the horizontal distance from the crane's center of rotation to the vertical hoist line passing through the load's center of gravity. Because it is horizontal, boom length alone does not determine it.
Question 3Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
For a given crane configuration, what happens to rated capacity as lifting radius increases?
- It changes only when the boom length changes
- It increases because the boom is lowered
- It decreases Correct answer.
- It stays constant until the boom is fully extended
Explanation
Capacity falls as radius grows because the load moment about the tipping axis increases and structural loads rise. The chart reflects this, so the capacity for the actual working radius must always be used.
Question 4Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
A crane has a load chart for outriggers fully extended and a separate chart for operation on tires. Which chart normally permits the greater capacity?
- The on-tire chart, because the tires cushion the load
- The outrigger chart, but only at radii under 15 feet
- The outriggers fully extended chart Correct answer.
- Neither, since both charts give identical capacities
Explanation
Extended outriggers widen the effective support base and pass load directly into the ground, giving greater stability and higher ratings. On-tire ratings are lower and carry extra restrictions such as tire pressure limits.
Question 5Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
At the same 30-foot radius, a crane is rated 18,000 lb with a 60-foot boom and 12,000 lb with a 100-foot boom. What explains this difference?
- A longer boom reduces capacity at a given radius Correct answer.
- The longer boom increases the crane's counterweight
- The 100-foot boom uses a larger hook block
- The shorter boom has a slower hoist speed
Explanation
A longer, heavier boom adds weight and reduces the structural and stability margin at any given radius, so the chart rating is lower. The entry for the exact boom length in use must be used.
Question 6Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
A load weighs 8,000 lb. The hook block weighs 500 lb and the slings weigh 300 lb. What gross load must be compared to the load chart?
- 8,300 lb
- 8,800 lb Correct answer.
- 8,000 lb
- 8,500 lb
Explanation
Gross load is the payload plus everything hanging below the boom head, including block and slings. Adding 8,000 + 500 + 300 gives 8,800 lb.
Question 7Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
Load chart ratings assume the crane is set up in which condition?
- Supported on the outriggers without blocking under the floats
- Level to within 5 degrees on any surface
- Slightly nose-down so the boom can reach farther
- Level within the manufacturer's tolerance, usually 1 percent Correct answer.
Explanation
Charts are based on a level crane, with a typical manufacturer tolerance of 1 percent of level. Working out of level shifts load onto individual outriggers and invalidates the chart values.
Question 8Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
Before you can determine the rated capacity for a specific lift, what must you first establish?
- The number of workers standing on the ground
- The colour code of the synthetic slings being used
- The exact boom length, radius, and setup Correct answer.
- The wind speed measured at the boom tip that day
Explanation
Capacity is configuration-specific: charts are tabulated by boom length and radius for a defined setup such as outrigger extension, counterweight, and hoist. Without those values no chart entry applies.
Question 9Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
A chart lists 12,000 lb at 20 ft radius and 9,000 lb at 25 ft. The actual radius is 22 ft. If the chart does not state that interpolation is permitted, which capacity applies?
- 12,000 lb
- 9,000 lb Correct answer.
- 10,800 lb
- 10,500 lb
Explanation
Without a note allowing interpolation, the value for the next longer radius must be used because it is the conservative entry. Interpolating upward would exceed the published table values.
Question 10Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
Chart capacity at the required radius is 20,000 lb. The hook block weighs 1,000 lb, the slings weigh 400 lb, and the load weighs 18,000 lb. What is the correct conclusion?
- The lift is not permitted because gross load is 19,400 lb
- The lift is not permitted because the hook block is excluded
- The lift is permitted because the load alone is 18,000 lb
- The lift is permitted; gross load is 19,400 lb Correct answer.
Explanation
Gross load is 18,000 + 1,000 + 400 = 19,400 lb, which is below the 20,000 lb rating, so the lift is within the chart. Every item below the boom head counts as part of gross load.
Question 11Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
A 12,000 lb gross load is reeved with 4 parts of line. Ignoring friction, what is the approximate load per line?
- 3,000 lb Correct answer.
- 12,000 lb
- 1,500 lb
- 4,000 lb
Explanation
Load per line equals gross load divided by the number of parts supporting it: 12,000 divided by 4 is 3,000 lb. Sheave friction actually raises the required line pull above this figure.
Question 12Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
You know the boom length and the boom angle, and you need the lifting radius. What is the correct method?
- Use the boom angle alone; boom length does not affect radius
- Read it from the range diagram for that length and angle Correct answer.
- Divide the boom length by the boom angle in degrees
- Measure the horizontal distance from the boom foot pin to the hook
Explanation
Radius is the horizontal distance from the center of rotation to the hoist line, and the range diagram converts boom length and angle into that radius. The boom angle alone is not sufficient.
Question 13Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
A crane load chart shows separate ratings over the front, over the rear, and over the side. Why must the correct area of operation be used?
- Hydraulic oil flows more slowly when the boom swings sideways
- Only the counterweight position changes with the area of operation
- The hoist line capacity changes with the direction of swing
- Strength and stability limits differ with boom position Correct answer.
Explanation
Outrigger geometry, chassis strength, and the tipping axis all change with the direction the boom is working over, so manufacturers publish different ratings. The lift must be planned in the quadrant where the boom actually works.
Question 14Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
Timber mats are placed under the outrigger floats. What effect does this have on the crane's rated capacity?
- It increases capacity in direct proportion to the mat area used
- It does not change rated capacity; it spreads ground pressure Correct answer.
- It increases the rated capacity because the crane sits higher
- It reduces capacity because the crane is no longer perfectly level
Explanation
Mats improve ground bearing and help prevent outrigger sinking, but they cannot raise the chart rating. Rated capacity depends on the crane's structure and stability, not on the soil beneath the floats.
Question 15Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
A load has large surface area and will be lifted in a strong wind. How should this be handled?
- Add the wind speed in mph directly to the chart capacity
- Check manufacturer wind limits and reduce capacity if needed Correct answer.
- Reduce capacity by exactly one percent for each mph of wind
- Ignore it, because wind acts only on the boom and not the load
Explanation
Load charts are generally based on no wind, and wind on the load and boom increases the effective load moment and affects control. The manufacturer's wind limit must be checked and capacity reduced or the lift postponed.
Question 16Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
A chart note says capacities above the bold line are limited by strength and those below the line by stability. What does this tell the operator?
- The bold line marks the maximum radius allowed for the crane
- Below the line, tipping governs before structural failure Correct answer.
- Below the line the outriggers may be left partly retracted
- Above the line only the hoist rope limits the capacity
Explanation
Where stability governs, the crane reaches its tipping limit before any structural part is overloaded, so level, ground, and outrigger condition strongly affect the margin. Where strength governs, the boom or another structural element is the controlling item.
Question 17Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
Which condition must be met before using a crane's on-tire (no outriggers) load chart?
- Boom centered over the front with the axle locks released
- Tires at the specified pressure with the crane stationary Correct answer.
- Load kept swinging freely to balance the chassis
- Outrigger beams extended fully but floats kept off the ground
Explanation
On-tire ratings assume the manufacturer's specified tire pressure, a stationary crane, and suspension conditions stated in the notes. Moving with a load requires the separate travel or pick-and-carry ratings.
Question 18Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
A swing-away jib is erected and in use. Which capacity information applies?
- The main boom chart reduced by 50 percent for the jib weight
- The jib chart, using the jib radius and jib length Correct answer.
- The main boom chart at the same radius, since the boom is unchanged
- Whichever chart gives the higher value for the same radius
Explanation
Jib ratings are tabulated separately because the jib is lighter, shorter, and offset from the boom tip. The radius must be measured to the jib's hoist line, not the main boom head.
Question 19Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
A load is lifted and the boom deflects. What must the operator do about the radius?
- Recheck the radius under load because deflection increases it Correct answer.
- Assume the charted radius is unchanged once the load is clear of the ground
- Reduce the read radius by the amount of boom deflection
- Use the radius measured before the load was applied
Explanation
Boom deflection under load moves the boom tip outward, increasing the actual radius and reducing capacity. If the radius grows beyond the chart value used, the lift must be re-evaluated.
Question 20Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
Adding parts of line to the hoist reeving has which effect on the crane's rated capacity?
- It increases rated capacity because the load is shared
- It raises available line pull but not the chart rating Correct answer.
- It has no effect on line pull but raises the chart rating
- It increases rated capacity in proportion to the number of parts
Explanation
Rated capacity is set by the crane's structure and stability, not by reeving. More parts of line only reduce tension in each line and the load on the hoist, within drum and rope limits.
Question 21Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
A crane has a boom pivot offset of 5 ft from the center of rotation. The boom is 100 ft long at a 60-degree angle to horizontal. What is the approximate lifting radius? (cos 60 degrees = 0.50)
- 105 ft
- 87 ft
- 50 ft
- 55 ft Correct answer.
Explanation
The horizontal projection is boom length times the cosine of the boom angle: 100 x 0.50 = 50 ft. Adding the 5 ft pivot offset gives a radius of about 55 ft, which is then used to enter the load chart.
Question 22Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
A crane must travel with a load across a yard. Which capacity information governs?
- The travel or pick-and-carry ratings for that condition Correct answer.
- The main boom chart with 75 percent of the value taken
- The on-tire stationary chart for the same radius
- The outriggers-fully-extended chart, because it is the highest rating
Explanation
Traveling with a load introduces dynamic loads, steering effects, and tire or track limits that stationary charts do not cover. The manufacturer's travel or pick-and-carry ratings and notes, including load position and ground slope, must be used.
Question 23Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
A 9,000 lb gross load is supported by 4 parts of line with a reeving efficiency of 0.90. What is the approximate line pull?
- 2,250 lb
- 2,000 lb
- 2,500 lb Correct answer.
- 3,000 lb
Explanation
Line pull equals load divided by the product of parts of line and efficiency: 9,000 divided by (4 x 0.90) equals 2,500 lb. Efficiency below 1.0 means more pull is needed than a simple division by the parts of line.
Question 24Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
In a two-crane lift, what is the commonly accepted limit on the load carried by each crane?
- The capacity shown for the shortest boom in the chart
- 75 percent of its rated capacity for the actual radius Correct answer.
- 50 percent of its rated capacity in all cases
- 100 percent of its rated capacity for the actual radius
Explanation
Accepted practice limits each crane in a multi-crane lift to about 75 percent of its rated capacity at the working radius, since load sharing is uncertain and dynamic effects are higher. The plan must also account for the load's center of gravity and any tilt.
Question 25Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
The required boom length is 105 ft, but the chart lists only 100 ft and 110 ft booms. Which column should be used?
- The 110 ft column Correct answer.
- An average of both columns
- The 100 ft column
- Either column, since 5 ft is within tolerance
Explanation
When the working boom length falls between charted lengths, the next longer boom is used because it carries the lower, conservative rating. Averaging columns or using the shorter boom would overstate capacity.
Question 26Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
On a crane load chart, radius is the horizontal distance between which two points?
- Boom pivot pin to the boom tip sheave
- Front outrigger float to the nearest load edge
- Center of rotation to the load's center of gravity Correct answer.
- Boom foot pin to the load's attachment point
Explanation
Chart radius is measured horizontally from the crane's center of rotation to the vertical line through the center of gravity of the suspended load. Boom geometry distances and outrigger positions do not define chart radius.
Question 27Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
A load chart lists 24,000 lb at the working radius. The total gross load is 18,000 lb. What percentage of rated capacity is being used?
- 67 percent
- 60 percent
- 80 percent
- 75 percent Correct answer.
Explanation
Percent of capacity is the gross load divided by the chart capacity at the working radius: 18,000 divided by 24,000 equals 0.75, or 75 percent.
Question 28Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
At the same working radius, replacing a short boom with a longer boom on the same crane will:
- Leave the rated capacity unchanged
- Reduce the rated capacity Correct answer.
- Raise the rated capacity only over the front
- Increase the rated capacity
Explanation
A longer boom adds weight and increases the moment its own mass imposes, so the manufacturer lists lower capacities for longer booms at the same radius. Area of operation does not offset that loss.
Question 29Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
Where must the rated capacity for a specific lift be obtained?
- The rigging plan drawn up by the lift crew on site
- The manufacturer's load chart for that exact configuration Correct answer.
- The working load limit stamped on the hook block
- The load weight recorded on the previous shift's report
Explanation
Rated capacity depends on boom length, radius, outrigger condition, counterweight and area of operation, so only the manufacturer's chart matching the crane as actually set up can supply it.
Question 30Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
A chart publishes ratings for outrigger beams fully extended. The crane must be set up with the beams only partly extended. What applies?
- Use the over-the-side ratings, which are always most conservative
- Use the on-tire ratings, since the beams are not fully out
- Use the manufacturer's ratings published for that beam extension Correct answer.
- Use the fully extended ratings with a 25 percent load reduction
Explanation
Charts are published for a defined outrigger condition, usually beams fully extended with floats on firm footing. Any other beam extension requires its own published ratings from the manufacturer or the lift is not permitted.
Question 31Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
For a given boom length, why does the chart's rated capacity fall as the working radius increases?
- Allowable boom stress drops as the boom is lowered
- Hoist line pull falls as the load moves farther out
- Outrigger float pressure decreases at longer radii
- Overturning moment about the tipping axis grows with radius Correct answer.
Explanation
The load's overturning effect about the tipping axis equals load times radius, so moving the load outward increases the moment the boom, turntable and outriggers must resist. That is why ratings decrease with radius.
Question 32Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
A swing-away jib is attached to the boom but folded and stowed, not in use. How does this affect main boom capacity?
- It requires switching to the jib load chart
- Its weight must be deducted from the main boom rating Correct answer.
- It acts as counterweight and raises capacity
- It has no effect, because the jib is not in use
Explanation
A stowed jib still rides on the boom and its weight reduces the capacity available for payload, so chart notes require deducting that weight from main boom ratings.
Question 33Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
The required working radius is greater than the largest radius listed on the chart for the boom in use. What is the correct action?
- The lift must not be made at that radius Correct answer.
- Extrapolate the capacity curve to the required radius
- Use the capacity listed at the largest charted radius
- Add 10 percent to the largest charted capacity
Explanation
A radius beyond the largest charted value has no rated capacity for that configuration. Ratings apply only at the radii published, and neither extrapolation nor use of the last charted value is permitted.
Question 34Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
Which sequence correctly qualifies a lift against a load chart?
- Weigh the load, read the chart capacity, then measure the radius
- Determine gross load and working radius, then compare with chart capacity Correct answer.
- Compare load weight with boom capacity, then confirm the radius
- Read the chart at the radius, then add rigging weight to the rating
Explanation
Both the total gross load and the working radius must be known before the chart can be read for the boom length, area of operation and outrigger condition in use. The gross load is then compared with that rating.
Question 35Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
A crane is fitted with counterweight heavier than the configuration covered by the chart in use. What is permitted?
- Lift to the chart capacity, since the extra counterweight adds margin
- Use the chart that matches the actual counterweight configuration Correct answer.
- Increase capacity in proportion to the added counterweight
- Use chart capacity only when lifting over the rear
Explanation
Rated capacities are valid only for the exact counterweight configuration the chart covers. A different counterweight requires its own published chart, and extra counterweight never authorizes extra load.
Question 36Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
A heavier hook block is installed on the same crane, boom and radius. What happens to the allowable load?
- It stays the same, because the block is not payload
- It increases, because the extra weight lowers the boom
- It decreases by twice the added block weight
- It decreases by the added block weight Correct answer.
Explanation
The hook block is part of the gross load the crane carries, so added block weight comes directly out of the payload the chart allows at that radius.
Question 37Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
The exact weight of a load cannot be found in shipping papers or on any marking. What must be done before the lift?
- Lift slowly and watch the crane for signs of tipping
- Use the chart capacity at the working radius as the load weight
- Weigh it or obtain a verified weight before lifting Correct answer.
- Estimate the weight from the load's volume and material
Explanation
The chart can only be used once the gross load is known, so an unverified weight must be established by weighing or from a reliable documented source. Estimating or trial lifting is not acceptable.
Question 38Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
Chart capacity at the working radius is 22,000 lb. The hook block weighs 900 lb, the slings weigh 250 lb, a stowed jib requires a 1,200 lb deduction, and the load weighs 18,500 lb. What is the status of the lift?
- Over capacity by 3,650 lb
- Over capacity by 850 lb
- Within capacity, at about 95 percent Correct answer.
- Within capacity, at about 84 percent
Explanation
Total gross load is 18,500 plus 900 plus 250 plus 1,200, equal to 20,850 lb, which is below the 22,000 lb chart value. That is about 95 percent of rated capacity.
Question 39Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
Chart for the boom in use: 25 ft gives 15,000 lb, 30 ft gives 12,500 lb, and 35 ft gives 10,000 lb. The gross load is 13,200 lb. What is the greatest radius at which the lift is permitted?
- No charted radius permits the lift
- 25 ft Correct answer.
- 30 ft
- 35 ft
Explanation
The gross load must not exceed the chart rating at the working radius. At 25 ft the rating is 15,000 lb, which is adequate, while at 30 ft the rating drops to 12,500 lb, which is not.
Question 40Load charts, capacity determination, and rated-load calculations
Which lift produces the greater load moment about the tipping axis?
- The 3,000 lb lift at 40 ft
- They produce equal moments
- The 5,000 lb lift at 25 ft Correct answer.
- Undetermined without the boom length
Explanation
Load moment is load times radius: 5,000 times 25 equals 125,000 lb-ft, while 3,000 times 40 equals 120,000 lb-ft. The heavier load at the shorter radius therefore produces the larger moment.
Question 41Rigging, sling inspection, hitch selection, and load control
A wire rope sling has 10 broken wires randomly distributed within one rope lay. What is the required action?
- Remove the sling from service. Correct answer.
- Use the sling at half its rated capacity.
- Lubricate the sling and return it to service.
- Use the sling only in a vertical hitch.
Explanation
Under ASME B30.9 removal criteria, 10 randomly distributed broken wires in one rope lay, or five broken wires in one strand in one lay, require the sling to be removed from service. Broken wires reduce the load-bearing cross-section and indicate fatigue.
Question 42Rigging, sling inspection, hitch selection, and load control
Which hitch is formed by passing one sling eye through the other around the load so the sling tightens as the load is lifted?
- Bridle hitch
- Vertical hitch
- Basket hitch
- Choker hitch Correct answer.
Explanation
A choker hitch passes one eye through the other and tightens around the load as the lift begins. It grips the load but reduces capacity compared with a vertical hitch.
Question 43Rigging, sling inspection, hitch selection, and load control
What is the main purpose of a safety latch on a crane hook?
- To keep rigging from slipping off Correct answer.
- To prevent the hook from rotating
- To increase the hook's rated capacity
- To show the hook has been inspected
Explanation
The safety latch closes the hook throat so slings, chains, and rings cannot slip off when tension is slackened. It does not add capacity or indicate inspection.
Question 44Rigging, sling inspection, hitch selection, and load control
Which condition requires a synthetic web sling to be removed from service?
- A small amount of dust on the sling
- A knot tied in the webbing Correct answer.
- Light surface fuzz on the webbing
- A legible manufacturer tag attached to the sling
Explanation
A knot in synthetic webbing concentrates stress and can reduce strength by a large margin, so knotted slings are removed from service. Fuzz, dust, and a legible tag are not removal conditions.
Question 45Rigging, sling inspection, hitch selection, and load control
What is the primary purpose of a tag line during a lift?
- To lubricate the wire rope
- To measure the load's weight
- To control load swing Correct answer.
- To increase the crane's capacity
Explanation
A tag line lets a worker guide and steady the load from outside the fall zone instead of touching the load. It does not add capacity or measure weight.
Question 46Rigging, sling inspection, hitch selection, and load control
Before making a lift, the crane operator should confirm which two pieces of information about the load?
- Its owner and inspection date
- Its color and destination
- Its shipping date and serial number
- Its weight and center of gravity Correct answer.
Explanation
The load's weight and center of gravity determine required capacity and whether the lift will be stable. Lifting without this information risks overload or tipping.
Question 47Rigging, sling inspection, hitch selection, and load control
When a screw-pin shackle is assembled for a lift, the pin must be
- fully seated against the shackle body. Correct answer.
- locked with tape rather than threads.
- replaced with a standard bolt of the same diameter.
- left partially threaded for quick removal.
Explanation
A screw pin must be fully seated so the shoulder bears against the shackle body and the threads carry the load properly. A partially engaged pin can bend or pull out under load.
Question 48Rigging, sling inspection, hitch selection, and load control
A chain sling link is found to have a visible crack. What should be done?
- Remove the sling from service. Correct answer.
- Paint over the crack and monitor it.
- Use the sling at reduced capacity.
- Weld the crack and return the sling to service.
Explanation
Cracks in a chain link are a removal criterion because they can propagate and cause sudden failure. Welding or derating does not make the sling serviceable.
Question 49Rigging, sling inspection, hitch selection, and load control
A 4,000 lb load is lifted with a two-leg bridle hitch. Each leg makes a 60° angle with the horizontal. What is the tension in each leg?
- About 1,150 lb
- About 2,300 lb Correct answer.
- About 4,000 lb
- About 2,000 lb
Explanation
For a symmetric two-leg lift, tension per leg equals half the load divided by the sine of the angle from horizontal: (4,000/2)/sin 60° ≈ 2,309 lb. Flatter sling angles increase leg tension.
Question 50Rigging, sling inspection, hitch selection, and load control
A wire rope sling rated 10,000 lb in a vertical hitch is used in a choker hitch. What is its approximate rated capacity?
- 7,500 lb Correct answer.
- 20,000 lb
- 10,000 lb
- 5,000 lb
Explanation
A choker hitch reduces a wire rope sling's vertical rating to about 75 percent, so 10,000 × 0.75 = 7,500 lb. The tight bend and gripping action lower efficiency.