Site Transport, Manoeuvring, Travelling and Working on Inclines and Uneven Ground
Travelling safely on site requires planning the route, knowing the ground conditions and understanding the machine's limits. Before moving, the operator should check the route for overhead obstructions, soft ground, excavations, services, pedestrians and other vehicles, and should know the site traffic management plan. The boom should be carried in the transport position specified by the manufacturer - typically fully retracted and lowered, with the attachment close to the ground - and the load should be carried low. Speed must suit the ground, load and visibility; mirrors, cameras and beacons should be used, and a banksman should be used where visibility is restricted or space is tight. On inclines, the machine should generally travel up and down the slope rather than across it, with the heaviest end uphill where the manufacturer specifies, and the load kept low. On uneven ground, travel slowly and watch for the machine tipping or the load shifting; avoid soft verges and excavations.
Question traps: candidates assume a telehandler can travel with the boom raised or a load high - most manufacturers prohibit it. They forget that travelling across a slope increases the risk of overturning and that the load chart may be reduced on slopes. Another trap is reversing without a banksman or without checking behind, and assuming four-wheel steer or crab steer makes the machine safe in all spaces. Crab steer is for positioning, not for speed.
Rule of thumb: carry the boom low and retracted, travel up and down slopes not across them, and use a banksman whenever you cannot see or be seen.