For outriggers, what should be done with weight on tires during operation?

• A. Leave weight on tires
• B. Remove all weight from tires
• C. Partially deflate tires
• D. Inflate tires to maximum pressure

Answer: (B)

Stability with outriggers comes from transferring the crane’s load away from the wheels and onto the outriggers. When you’re set up on outriggers, the wheels should bear no lifting load so the outriggers and their pads are doing the work of supporting the crane. If any weight remains on the tires during operation, part of the load stays with the wheels, which can shift the center of gravity, reduce the effective footprint, and increase the risk of tipping or unstable lifting.

That’s why the correct practice is to remove all weight from the tires before lifting. The other options would keep the wheels supporting part of the load, or alter tire pressure in ways that don’t improve stability and can cause tire damage or loss of control.