If not properly supported, one of these bearing surfaces can sink, allowing crane to lift away from level. What should the operator do?

If not properly supported, one of these bearing surfaces can sink, allowing crane to lift away from level. What should the operator do?

• A. Raise boom and lower load to re-center weight
• B. Lower boom and lift load to shift center
• C. Move load to opposite side
• D. Stop operations and inspect for damage

Answer: (A)

When a bearing surface sinks, the crane loses its balance because the weight is no longer centered over the supports. The goal is to bring the center of gravity back within the base so the crane can sit level again. Raising the boom and lowering the load changes the load geometry in a way that reduces the tipping moment and moves the overall weight toward the base, helping to re-center the gravity vector over the supported area. This is the safest immediate action to restore stability without making the situation worse by shifting the load to the opposite side. If leveling cannot be achieved this way or there are signs of damage, stop and inspect before continuing.

When a bearing surface sinks, the crane loses its balance because the weight is no longer centered over the supports. The goal is to bring the center of gravity back within the base so the crane can sit level again. Raising the boom and lowering the load changes the load geometry in a way that reduces the tipping moment and moves the overall weight toward the base, helping to re-center the gravity vector over the supported area. This is the safest immediate action to restore stability without making the situation worse by shifting the load to the opposite side. If leveling cannot be achieved this way or there are signs of damage, stop and inspect before continuing.