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NCCCO Service Truck Crane study materials
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NCCCO Service Truck Crane practice questions

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Question 1Site

Before a service truck crane begins lifting, the outrigger floats must be set on stable footing. Which practice best supports that requirement?

  1. Rest each float on the edge of an excavation to shorten the beam extension
  2. Set floats directly on the asphalt surface of the roadway
  3. Extend floats only on the working side and keep the opposite side retracted
  4. Deploy floats on the manufacturer's pads or cribbing sized to spread the load over firm ground Correct answer.

Explanation

Outrigger floats concentrate the crane's reaction forces, so they must bear on material stiff enough to spread that load without punching or settling. Manufacturer pads or properly sized cribbing distribute the pressure over firm, level ground. Placing floats on uncompacted fill, pavement edges, or trench edges invites settlement and tip-over.

Question 2Site

A service truck crane is set up on a slope. What is the most reliable way to confirm the carrier is level before lifting?

  1. Judge level by eye from the operator's seat
  2. Use the crane's level indicator and check it in both axes Correct answer.
  3. Rely on the outrigger beams reaching full extension
  4. Assume the truck's suspension keeps the frame level

Explanation

Load charts are based on the crane being level, and even small out-of-level conditions can reduce capacity and side-load the boom. The built-in level indicator, checked along both axes, is the accepted method. Visual judgment and suspension behavior do not verify level.

Question 3Site

During a lift, the operator must keep the load within the rated capacity for the configuration in use. Which factor most directly changes that rated capacity?

  1. The boom length and radius shown on the load chart Correct answer.
  2. The time of day the lift occurs
  3. The color of the load being handled
  4. The number of workers on the ground

Explanation

Rated capacity is read from the load chart for the specific boom length, radius, and configuration, including outrigger deployment and any attachments. Boom length and radius determine the geometry that drives capacity. Load color, ground crew count, and time of day do not appear in the chart.

Question 4Site

A load is rigged and ready. Which action should the operator take before hoisting to confirm the load is properly balanced and secure?

  1. Raise the load slightly and verify stability, rigging, and load balance Correct answer.
  2. Hoist rapidly to clear the ground and check for swing
  3. Signal the crew to stand under the load for a closer look
  4. Lower the boom before lifting to gain momentum

Explanation

A slow trial lift lets the operator confirm the rigging is seated, the load is balanced, and nothing shifts before committing to the full lift. Rapid hoisting or adding momentum can cause the load to swing or the rigging to fail. Workers must never stand beneath a suspended load.

Question 5Site

The crane is working near an energized overhead power line. Which control measure is most appropriate?

  1. Maintain the required minimum clearance and use a spotter to warn the operator Correct answer.
  2. Lower the boom and drive under the line without a spotter
  3. Have a worker hold the load steady with a conductive tag line
  4. Assume insulated gloves make any contact safe

Explanation

The primary defense against power line contact is maintaining the required minimum clearance for the line voltage and using a dedicated spotter to warn the operator. Insulated gloves and tag lines do not protect against line contact at crane voltages. Driving under energized lines without clearance control is a serious electrocution risk.

Question 6Site

The operator hears an unusual noise and sees the load drifting downward while the control is in neutral. What is the correct immediate response?

  1. Stop operations, lower the load safely if possible, and report the condition Correct answer.
  2. Continue the lift and monitor the drift
  3. Increase engine speed to compensate for the drift
  4. Ask the ground crew to catch the load

Explanation

Uncommanded load drift or abnormal noise points to a hydraulic or control malfunction that can lead to a dropped load. Operations should stop, the load should be landed safely if that can be done without exposing anyone, and the fault must be reported and corrected before further use. Continuing or compensating for the drift risks catastrophic failure.

Question 7Site

Which document tells the operator the rated capacities and required setup conditions for a specific service truck crane?

  1. The truck's registration and insurance card
  2. The rigging supplier's catalog
  3. The project's daily sign-in sheet
  4. The manufacturer's load chart for that crane model and configuration Correct answer.

Explanation

The manufacturer's load chart is the authoritative source for rated capacities and the setup conditions, such as outrigger deployment and boom configuration, under which those ratings apply. Administrative and catalog documents do not define crane capacity.

Question 8Site

A tag line is being used to control load rotation. What is the primary reason to keep the tag line non-conductive and keep the handler clear of the load's path?

  1. To speed up the lift cycle
  2. To increase the crane's rated capacity
  3. To control rotation without exposing the handler to being pulled or struck Correct answer.
  4. To allow the handler to guide the load onto the boom

Explanation

A tag line controls load rotation and swing, but the handler must stay clear of the load's travel path and use a non-conductive line to avoid being pulled into the load or energized equipment. Tag lines do not increase capacity, guide loads onto the boom, or exist to speed the cycle.

Question 9Site

A service truck crane is set up beside a previously backfilled utility trench. Which condition is the greatest concern for the setup?

  1. The operator may need a larger seat
  2. The load may be lighter than expected
  3. The trench backfill may be loose and unable to support the outrigger reaction Correct answer.
  4. The crane's paint may be scratched by the spoil pile

Explanation

Backfilled trenches often contain loose, uncompacted material that can settle or collapse under an outrigger float, causing the crane to tip. The setup must account for subsurface conditions and use adequate cribbing or relocate. Paint, load weight estimates, and seating are not setup stability concerns.

Question 10Site

The operator is lifting over the side of the carrier with outriggers fully extended. The load chart shows capacities for both 'over the side' and 'over the rear' at the same radius. Why must the operator use the correct chart section?

  1. The sections are interchangeable at any radius
  2. Side lifts never require outriggers
  3. Rear lifts are always prohibited on service truck cranes
  4. Side and rear capacities can differ because of the carrier's structure and outrigger geometry Correct answer.

Explanation

Crane strength and stability vary with the direction of the lift relative to the carrier, so the load chart provides separate ratings for over-the-side, over-the-rear, and other quadrants. Using the wrong section can result in exceeding the actual rated capacity. The sections are not interchangeable, and rear lifts are not categorically prohibited.

Question 11Site

Winds are gusting and the load has a large sail area. What is the operator's best course of action?

  1. Check the crane's wind limits and load handling plan, and stop if conditions exceed them Correct answer.
  2. Have the crew hold the load to steady it
  3. Increase boom length to lower the load faster
  4. Proceed if the load is below the charted capacity, ignoring wind

Explanation

Wind acting on a load with large sail area increases side load and can push the load or boom beyond design limits, independent of the weight being under capacity. The operator must compare actual conditions against the manufacturer's wind limits and the lift plan, and stop when limits are exceeded. Crew members cannot safely steady a wind-driven load.

Question 12Site

A signal person is directing the lift, but radio communication is intermittent. What should be done before continuing?

  1. Ask the crew to shout directions over the engine noise
  2. Continue using hand signals only if the operator can see the signal person clearly Correct answer.
  3. Have the operator guess the intended movements
  4. Proceed on the last radio instruction received

Explanation

When radio communication fails, the lift may continue only if a clear, agreed hand signal system is in place and the operator has an unobstructed view of the signal person. Proceeding on stale instructions or guesses is unsafe. Shouting over engine noise is unreliable and not an accepted signal method.

Question 13Site

The operator must boom down with a load at a long radius. Which technique best manages the load and stability?

  1. Release the hoist brake to let the load drop
  2. Boom down rapidly to reduce the radius quickly
  3. Swing simultaneously to gain speed
  4. Boom down slowly while monitoring the load and the crane's stability indicators Correct answer.

Explanation

Booming down increases radius and can reduce capacity, so the movement must be made slowly while the operator monitors the load and stability. Rapid booming or simultaneous swing can cause the load to swing out and overload the crane. Releasing the hoist brake would drop the load.

Question 14Site

Which practice best protects workers who must work near the swing radius of the rotating superstructure?

  1. Rely on the operator to stop rotation for anyone who enters
  2. Post a sign but allow access during slow swings
  3. Allow workers to pass through when the operator is looking the other way
  4. Barricade or mark the swing radius and keep personnel out of it during rotation Correct answer.

Explanation

The tail swing of the rotating superstructure can crush workers against fixed objects, so the swing radius must be barricaded or clearly marked and kept clear of personnel. Relying on the operator to see and stop for everyone is not a reliable control. Signs alone do not prevent entry.

Question 15Site

During setup, one outrigger float begins to sink into soft ground after the boom is raised. What is the correct response?

  1. Increase engine speed to hold the outrigger pressure
  2. Continue the lift and add counterweight
  3. Place a worker on the sinking float to add stability
  4. Lower the load, retract the boom, and reset the crane on improved footing Correct answer.

Explanation

A sinking float indicates the ground cannot support the reaction and the crane may tip, so the lift must be stopped, the load landed, and the crane reset on adequate cribbing or relocated to firm ground. Adding counterweight, placing a worker on the float, or raising engine speed does not correct the bearing failure.

Question 16Site

The load's weight is unknown, but the load chart shows capacity is adequate for an estimated weight. What is the safest approach?

  1. Verify the actual weight before lifting and compare it to the charted capacity Correct answer.
  2. Assume the load is within capacity if it looks small
  3. Lift the load slightly and judge the weight by feel
  4. Proceed using the estimated weight

Explanation

Rated capacity must be compared against the actual load weight, including rigging, because estimates and visual judgment can be badly wrong. The weight should be verified from shipping documents, markings, or a scale before the lift. Trial lifting to judge weight by feel is unsafe.

Question 17Site

A worker is struck by the hook block while guiding a load by hand. Which control would most likely have prevented the incident?

  1. Requiring the worker to wear a hard hat only
  2. Letting the worker stand directly under the load
  3. Using a tag line so the worker stays clear of the load and hook Correct answer.
  4. Increasing the hoist speed to finish sooner

Explanation

Hands-on guiding places a worker in the pinch zone between the load, hook, and rigging, so using a tag line keeps the worker clear of the hazard. A hard hat alone does not prevent being struck by a heavy hook block, and standing under the load or speeding the hoist increases exposure.

Question 18Site

The crane's anti-two-block device is malfunctioning. What is the correct action?

  1. Disable the device and rely on operator judgment
  2. Continue lifting only at slow speeds
  3. Tape over the alarm so it does not distract the operator
  4. Remove the crane from service until the device is repaired and verified Correct answer.

Explanation

The anti-two-block device prevents the hook block from contacting the boom tip, which can cause rope failure and a dropped load. A malfunctioning safety device must be repaired and function-tested before the crane returns to service. Disabling, silencing, or merely slowing down does not provide the required protection.

Question 19Site

The operator is asked to make a pick on the rear quadrant with the boom fully retracted, but the load chart for that quadrant shows a lower capacity than the side quadrant at the same radius. What should the operator do?

  1. Use the side quadrant rating because it is higher
  2. Ignore the chart because the boom is retracted
  3. Average the two ratings
  4. Use the rating for the actual quadrant and configuration of the lift Correct answer.

Explanation

The applicable rating is the one for the quadrant and configuration actually in use, not the most favorable number on the chart. Rear and side ratings can differ because of carrier structure and outrigger geometry. Averaging ratings or ignoring the chart can overload the crane.

Question 20Site

A lift requires the crane to travel with a suspended load. Which condition must be met for this to be permitted?

  1. The manufacturer's instructions and load chart specifically allow travel with a suspended load under stated conditions Correct answer.
  2. The outriggers are partially extended during travel
  3. The load is light enough that the operator can stop it by hand
  4. The path is short and no one is watching

Explanation

Traveling with a suspended load is permitted only when the manufacturer's instructions and load chart expressly allow it and the stated conditions, such as travel speed, ground, and boom position, are met. Otherwise the load must be landed and the crane repositioned. Hand-stopping a moving load or traveling with partial outriggers is unsafe.

Question 21Site

Two cranes are used to lift a single load. Which planning element is most critical to prevent overloading either crane?

  1. Using the highest capacity chart value for both cranes
  2. Assigning each crane a share of the load and controlling the load's center of gravity and movement Correct answer.
  3. Allowing each operator to lift independently without coordination
  4. Assuming each crane carries half the load regardless of rigging geometry

Explanation

In a multi-crane lift, the load share on each crane depends on rigging geometry and the load's center of gravity, and it changes as the load moves, so the lift must be engineered and coordinated. Assuming equal sharing or allowing independent operation can overload one crane. Chart values must reflect each crane's actual configuration.

Question 22Site

A load must be landed on a roof edge where the operator cannot see the landing point. What is the best control?

  1. Use a qualified signal person with a clear view to direct the placement Correct answer.
  2. Rely on the operator's estimate of the landing position
  3. Have a worker stand on the roof edge and pull the load in by hand
  4. Lower the load quickly to reduce the time out of sight

Explanation

When the operator cannot see the landing point, a qualified signal person with a clear view must direct the movement so the load is placed accurately and safely. Estimating position, lowering quickly, or pulling the load by hand at an edge exposes workers to falls and crush hazards.

Question 23Site

The crane is rated for a lift, but the outrigger beam on one side cannot be fully extended because of a wall. What is the correct interpretation?

  1. The charted capacity for full outrigger extension still applies
  2. The operator may extend the beam against the wall for support
  3. The capacity must be taken from the chart for the actual outrigger configuration, which may be lower or may prohibit the lift Correct answer.
  4. Capacity is unaffected because only one side is restricted

Explanation

Load charts specify capacities for defined outrigger configurations, and a beam that cannot fully extend changes the crane's stability and structural loading. The operator must use the rating for the actual configuration, which may be significantly lower or may not permit the lift at all. Pressing a beam against a wall is not a valid substitute for proper extension.

Question 24Site

A load is being landed on a trailer and the trailer's suspension compresses as weight transfers. Why must the operator account for this?

  1. The load may shift or the rigging may go slack, changing the load's behavior Correct answer.
  2. Suspension movement has no effect on rigging
  3. The trailer will automatically level the load
  4. The crane's capacity increases as the trailer settles

Explanation

As the trailer suspension compresses, the load can shift or the rigging can go slack and then shock-load when tension returns, so the operator must lower slowly and watch for movement. Capacity does not increase, and the trailer does not self-level the load.

Question 25Site

Before each shift, the operator performs a walk-around inspection. Which finding requires the crane to be removed from service until corrected?

  1. A loose mud flap on the rear of the carrier
  2. A frayed wire rope with broken outer strands in a loaded section Correct answer.
  3. A slightly low tire on the carrier's spare
  4. A small amount of dust on the cab glass

Explanation

Broken outer strands in a loaded wire rope section indicate deterioration that can lead to rope failure and a dropped load, so the crane must be removed from service until the rope is evaluated and replaced as required. Dust, a spare tire, and a mud flap do not affect lifting safety.

Question 26Site

On a service truck crane, which component is designed to carry the reaction forces from the boom into the carrier frame and ground when the boom is working over the side?

  1. The load moment indicator display
  2. The swing drive gearbox
  3. The boom hoist cylinder
  4. The outrigger beams and floats Correct answer.

Explanation

Outrigger beams and floats extend the support base beyond the tires so that overturning reactions are transferred into firm ground at a wider stance. The swing drive, boom hoist cylinder, and LMI display have no role in carrying overturning moment into the ground.

Question 27Site

A service truck crane is being set up on a paved lot. What is the primary purpose of placing blocking or pads under the outrigger floats?

  1. To raise the crane so the tires clear the pavement
  2. To spread the float load over a larger bearing area Correct answer.
  3. To reduce the hydraulic pressure needed to extend the beams
  4. To keep the floats from rotating on the beam pin

Explanation

Blocking increases the contact area, which lowers the bearing pressure on the supporting surface and reduces the chance of punch-through or settlement. It does not change hydraulic pressure, lock the float to the beam, or serve to lift the tires clear of the ground.

Question 28Site

Personnel must pass through the area where the superstructure swings. Which control best protects them during the lift?

  1. Barricading the swing radius and routing foot traffic around it Correct answer.
  2. Requiring workers to duck under the boom as they pass
  3. Relying on the operator to sound the horn before each swing
  4. Posting a warning sign at the swing area boundary

Explanation

The most reliable control is to keep people out of the hazard zone entirely by barricading the swing radius and providing a safe walkway around it. Signs and horns rely on human response, and ducking under a moving boom or counterweight places workers inside the pinch and crush zone.

Question 29Site

The operator must land a load on a trailer whose suspension compresses as the weight transfers. Why must the operator account for this during the landing?

  1. The outriggers will lift off the ground when the trailer compresses
  2. The trailer will roll away once the load is set down
  3. The trailer deck drops, so the rigging can go slack and the load can shift or the slings can be shock-loaded Correct answer.
  4. The crane's load chart capacity increases as the trailer settles

Explanation

As the trailer settles, the load can drop slightly and the rigging can slacken, then snap tight as the crane takes weight again, creating shock loading or load shift. The operator should lower slowly and re-check rigging as weight transfers. Trailer settling does not change crane capacity or lift the outriggers.

Question 30Site

A lift will place the boom over a sidewalk that must remain open to pedestrians during the operation. What is the most appropriate planning response?

  1. Ask pedestrians to wait until the load is clear before crossing
  2. Close or reroute the sidewalk under the load and swing path for the duration of the lift Correct answer.
  3. Proceed and rely on the signal person to watch for pedestrians
  4. Reduce boom length so the load passes higher over the sidewalk

Explanation

Suspended loads should never pass over people who are not essential to the lift, so the sidewalk beneath the load and swing path should be closed or rerouted. Higher clearance does not remove the hazard of a dropped load, and telling pedestrians to time their crossing leaves them exposed.

Question 31Site

The operator must make a lift at a radius that falls between two listed radii on the load chart. How should the capacity be determined?

  1. Interpolate directly between the two capacity figures
  2. Use the capacity listed for the next longer radius Correct answer.
  3. Average the two capacities and apply a safety factor
  4. Use the capacity listed for the next shorter radius

Explanation

Load charts are not to be interpolated; when the actual radius falls between listed values, the operator uses the capacity shown for the next longer (greater) radius, which is the more conservative figure. Averaging or interpolating can produce a capacity the crane does not actually have at that radius.

Question 32Site

Two cranes are rigged to lift a single load together. Which planning element most directly prevents overloading either crane as the load shifts?

  1. Assigning one person to direct both operators and controlling load distribution throughout the lift Correct answer.
  2. Using identical sling lengths on both crane hooks
  3. Keeping both cranes at the same working radius from the load
  4. Equalizing the boom angles of both cranes before the lift

Explanation

A multi-crane lift requires a single person in charge who directs both operators and manages how the load is shared, because the distribution changes as the load moves and one crane can quickly become overloaded. Matching boom angles, slings, or radii does not guarantee that the share of load stays within each crane's capacity.

Question 33Site

The load chart shows adequate capacity, but one outrigger beam can only be extended partway because of a wall. What is the correct course of action?

  1. Reduce the load by ten percent and proceed with the lift
  2. Consult the manufacturer's chart or instructions for the actual beam extension and stay within that rating Correct answer.
  3. Fully extend the other three beams and counterweight the short side
  4. Use the chart capacity for fully extended outriggers and proceed slowly

Explanation

Capacity with outriggers not fully extended is governed by the manufacturer's specific chart or instructions for that configuration, which may be far lower than the fully extended rating. Using the fully extended chart, guessing a percentage reduction, or adding counterweight does not establish a safe capacity.

Question 34Site

During the pre-shift walk-around, the operator finds a wire rope sling in the rigging box with several broken outer wires and a kink. What is the correct action?

  1. Cut off the damaged end and use the remaining length
  2. Continue using the sling but inspect it again after the shift
  3. Use the sling only for loads well under its rated capacity
  4. Tag the sling out of service and remove it from the rigging box Correct answer.

Explanation

Broken wires and kinks are removal criteria, so the sling must be tagged out of service and kept away from the job so it cannot be used. Light loads, trimming the damaged section, or deferring inspection do not restore the sling's rated integrity.

Question 35Operations

Before lifting a load with a service truck crane, the operator should verify the load weight against which value to confirm the lift is within capacity?

  1. The truck's gross vehicle weight rating
  2. The winch line pull rating with a single part of line
  3. The bare boom length stamped on the boom section
  4. The crane's rated capacity at the actual radius and configuration Correct answer.

Explanation

Rated capacity is specific to the radius, boom length, and configuration (such as outrigger extension and counterweight). Load weight must be compared to that capacity for the exact setup, not to unrelated ratings like line pull or GVWR.

Question 36Operations

When setting up a service truck crane on a slope, which practice best protects against tipping?

  1. Raise the front axle off the ground using the boom to level the truck
  2. Deploy outriggers fully and verify the crane is level before lifting Correct answer.
  3. Chock the wheels and lift with the boom over the side of the slope
  4. Keep the outriggers retracted to lower the center of gravity

Explanation

Outriggers spread the load and must be fully deployed on firm footing, and the crane must be level per the manufacturer before any lift. Operating out of level shifts the load's leverage and reduces effective capacity in the downhill direction.

Question 37Operations

A service truck crane is rated for 4,000 lb at a 10 ft radius. The load weighs 3,600 lb. What minimum allowance should the operator consider before proceeding?

  1. Subtract the boom weight from the load weight
  2. Add 25 percent to the load chart capacity for dynamic lifts
  3. Nothing; any load under rated capacity is acceptable
  4. Deduct the weight of rigging and the hook block from the available capacity Correct answer.

Explanation

The load chart capacity must cover the total suspended load, including the hook block, slings, and other rigging. With only 400 lb of margin at that radius, rigging weight can easily consume the remaining capacity, so it must be deducted.

Question 38Operations

What is the purpose of the anti-two-block device on a service truck crane?

  1. To measure the load weight and display it in the cab
  2. To lock the swing brake when the boom reaches full radius
  3. To prevent the hook block from contacting the boom tip and damaging the hoist system Correct answer.
  4. To limit the maximum boom elevation angle to the chart limit

Explanation

The anti-two-block device senses when the hook block approaches the boom head and stops the hoisting function to prevent contact. Two-blocking can part the hoist rope and damage the sheaves or boom.

Question 39Operations

When is it acceptable to bypass or disable a crane's operational aid such as the load moment indicator?

  1. When the lift is short and the boom stays at low angle
  2. Only when following the manufacturer's documented procedure for a specific situation Correct answer.
  3. Whenever the operator believes the lift is safely within capacity
  4. Whenever a signal person is present to watch the load

Explanation

Operational aids like load moment indicators protect against overload and must not be casually disabled. Any bypass must follow the manufacturer's documented procedure, and in many jurisdictions the practice is restricted or prohibited entirely.

Question 40Operations

During a lift, the operator notices the crane beginning to tip toward the load. What is the correct immediate response?

  1. Increase engine speed to raise the load faster
  2. Swing the boom rapidly away from the tipping side
  3. Stop and lower the load smoothly while boom-down and hoist-down are still possible Correct answer.
  4. Continue the lift quickly to get the load over the intended landing point

Explanation

Once tipping begins, the operator should stop and lower the load in a controlled manner to reduce the overturning moment. Rapid swing or continued lifting adds dynamic forces and can cause a full tip-over.

Question 41Operations

Which hand signal tells the crane operator to raise the boom?

  1. Arm extended upward with the hand open and index finger pointing up Correct answer.
  2. Arm extended downward with the hand open, palm facing the ground
  3. Both fists held at chest height, moved in small circles
  4. Arm extended horizontally with the hand open, palm down, moved back and forth

Explanation

The standard signal for raising the boom is the arm extended outward with the hand open and the index finger pointing up, with a circular motion of the hand. Consistent standard signals prevent miscommunication between the signal person and operator.

Question 42Operations

A rigger needs to lift an unbalanced load. What should be done before the lift begins?

  1. Increase the hoist speed to compensate for the imbalance
  2. Remove the load's center-of-gravity markings to avoid confusion
  3. Lift the load with the boom at maximum radius for better visibility
  4. Attach tag lines and adjust the rigging so the load hangs level Correct answer.

Explanation

Tag lines control rotation and allow the load to be steadied, and rigging should be adjusted so the load hangs level before it is lifted. An unbalanced load that shifts during the lift can swing unexpectedly and change the effective radius.

Question 43Operations

What is the primary reason to use outrigger pads under the outrigger floats?

  1. To increase the crane's rated capacity beyond the load chart
  2. To raise the crane so the tires clear the ground for inspection
  3. To spread the outrigger load over a larger ground area and reduce bearing pressure Correct answer.
  4. To provide a level surface when the ground is sloped

Explanation

Outrigger pads distribute the concentrated outrigger force over a larger footprint, lowering ground bearing pressure and reducing the risk of the float sinking into soft soil. They do not change the crane's rated capacity.

Question 44Operations

An operator must lift a load over a buried utility line. Which action is most appropriate?

  1. Set the outrigger directly over the marked line to shorten the boom radius
  2. Place the outrigger on the line and use a single pad to spread the load
  3. Assume the line is deep enough that outrigger pressure is not a concern
  4. Verify the utility location and ground support before setting outriggers in that area Correct answer.

Explanation

Outrigger loads can crush buried utilities or cause the ground to collapse under the float. The operator should confirm utility locations and ground conditions before positioning outriggers, and relocate if the ground cannot support the load.

Question 45Operations

Which condition requires the operator to stop a lift and reassess?

  1. The load begins to drift or the crane's load moment indicator alarms Correct answer.
  2. A signal person is using standard hand signals
  3. The outriggers are fully extended on firm, level ground
  4. The wind is calm and the load is within the chart

Explanation

An unexpected load drift or an alarm from the load moment indicator signals that the lift is outside planned conditions. The operator must stop, lower the load if possible, and reassess radius, capacity, and setup before continuing.

Question 46Operations

How does increasing the load radius affect a service truck crane's lifting capacity?

  1. Capacity decreases as radius increases Correct answer.
  2. Capacity stays the same regardless of radius
  3. Capacity increases as radius increases
  4. Capacity increases only when the boom is fully retracted

Explanation

As the load radius grows, the load's overturning moment increases, so the crane can lift less. Load charts show capacity dropping with greater radius for every boom length and configuration.

Question 47Operations

A crane's load chart shows 5,200 lb at a 12 ft radius and 4,100 lb at a 15 ft radius. The operator must land a 4,500 lb load at a 15 ft radius. What should the operator do?

  1. Proceed because the load is under the 12 ft capacity value
  2. Reevaluate the lift plan because the load exceeds capacity at that radius Correct answer.
  3. Reduce hoist speed to make the lift acceptable
  4. Proceed because the load is under the crane's maximum rated capacity

Explanation

Capacity must be checked at the radius where the load actually is, which is 15 ft. At 4,100 lb capacity for 15 ft, a 4,500 lb load is over the limit, so the lift plan must change, for example by reducing radius or using a larger crane.

Question 48Operations

Why should the operator avoid sudden starts and stops with a suspended load?

  1. They prevent the anti-two-block device from functioning
  2. They reduce the hydraulic oil temperature below operating range
  3. They cause the load moment indicator to reset its calibration
  4. They create dynamic and shock loads that can exceed the crane's rated capacity Correct answer.

Explanation

Sudden movement adds acceleration forces on top of the static load weight, producing dynamic and shock loads. These can push the total load above the chart capacity even when the static weight is within limits.

Question 49Operations

Before operating a service truck crane, which check confirms the outriggers are properly set?

  1. Outriggers partially extended to save setup time
  2. Fully extended outriggers with floats on firm, level ground and the crane level per its indicator Correct answer.
  3. Outriggers deployed on a wooden pallet that spans a trench
  4. Outriggers resting on the truck bed for transport

Explanation

Outriggers must be fully extended as specified and set on firm, level ground, with the crane leveled according to its level indicator. Partial extension or unstable footing reduces stability and may void the load chart.

Question 50Operations

A load must be lifted near a power line. What is the operator's first step?

  1. Determine the line voltage and required minimum clearance, then plan the lift to avoid the hazard Correct answer.
  2. Assume the line is de-energized because it is on a residential street
  3. Lower the boom and swing under the line to shorten the lift
  4. Ask the signal person to watch the boom tip during the lift

Explanation

Power line contact is a leading cause of crane fatalities, so the operator must identify the voltage and the required minimum clearance before planning the lift. If the required clearance cannot be maintained, the line should be de-energized or the lift relocated.