MT Crane/Hoisting Operator study guide
MT Crane/Hoisting Operator · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The MT Crane/Hoisting Operator credential is a practical certification for people who run mobile cranes and hoisting equipment on job sites - lattice-boom and telescopic-boom truck cranes, rough-terrain and all-terrain machines, and the lifting work that goes with them. It is aimed at operators who need to show they can plan a lift, read a load chart, inspect equipment, set up on stable ground, and work safely around power lines and other crews. The MT Crane/Hoisting Operator study guide has 9 sections and about 2,908 words.
01Crane Types, Components, and Terminology
This domain checks whether you can identify crane families and use component names precisely, because every capacity calculation depends on them. Mobile cranes include rough-terrain, truck-mounted, all-terrain, and crawler types; tower, overhead bridge, and gantry cranes appear mainly as comparison items.
345 words, about 2 min02Load Charts, Capacity, and Rated Load Determination
Load-chart questions punish candidates who stop at the headline number. Most mobile-crane charts publish a rated capacity that already includes the hook block and all below-the-hook rigging; the chart notes tell you exactly what is included.
352 words, about 2 min03Rigging, Sling Angles, and Below-the-Hook Devices
A sling's tension depends on the angle between the leg and the horizontal. For two legs, tension per leg = load ÷ (2 × sin θ).
346 words, about 2 min04Pre-Operational Inspection and Equipment Condition
OSHA 1926.1412 requires a shift inspection before each shift by a competent person, plus monthly, annual, post-assembly, after repair, after modification, and after severe service. The shift inspection is a visual and functional check: fluid levels and leaks, tires, outriggers and floats, hooks and latches, wire rope and end connections, sheaves and guards, brakes, clutches, horns, lights, swing and travel alarms, load chart in the cab, control labeling, fire extinguisher, seat belt, and the load moment indicator and anti-two-block devices.
294 words, about 1 min05Site Setup, Ground Conditions, and Outrigger/Stability Considerations
OSHA 1926.1402 requires firm, drained, and graded ground, with supporting materials sized so the manufacturer's leveling and support specifications are met. Outrigger floats spread a concentrated reaction over an area; ground bearing pressure = reaction ÷ mat area.
292 words, about 1 min06Safe Operating Practices, Signals, and Communication
OSHA 1926.1419 through 1926.1423 cover hand, voice, audible, and radio signals. A single designated signal person directs the operator; the signal system must be agreed on before the lift.
327 words, about 2 min07Power Line, Clearance, and Environmental Hazards
OSHA 1926.1407–1926.1411 treat power lines as energized unless the utility deenergizes and visibly grounds them. Table A minimum clearance for equipment and load is: up to 50 kV, 10 ft; over 50 to 200 kV, 15 ft; over 200 to 350 kV, 20 ft; over 350 to 500 kV, 25 ft; over 500 to 750 kV, 35 ft; over 750 to 1,000 kV, 45 ft.
322 words, about 2 min08Maintenance, Wire Rope, and Component Wear Limits
For running ropes, remove from service at 12 randomly distributed broken wires in one lay, or 4 broken wires in one strand in one lay. Rotation-resistant rope is stricter: 2 broken wires in six rope diameters or 4 broken wires in 30 diameters.
326 words, about 2 min09Regulations, Standards, and Operator Responsibilities
Construction crane work falls under OSHA 29 CFR 1926 Subpart CC (1926.1400–1442); general industry uses 1910.180. ASME B30.5 covers mobile and locomotive cranes, B30.9 slings, B30.10 hooks, B30.20 below-the-hook devices, and B30.23 personnel lifting.
304 words, about 2 min