In which position do crawler cranes apply the least amount of pressure?

• A. Front
• B. Side
• C. Rear
• D. Top

Answer: (B)

The main idea is how the crane’s weight is shared between its two tracks. Ground pressure on each track is basically the portion of the crane’s weight that that track must support divided by the track’s contact area. When the crane is positioned so the lift is to the side, the load’s line of action tends to align more centrally between the two tracks, so each track carries roughly half of the weight. That even sharing keeps the pressure on the ground on both tracks lower than in front or rear positions, where a moment can shift more weight onto one track and raise the maximum ground pressure. Lifting toward the top isn’t a stable way to distribute load and wouldn’t reduce ground pressure. So the side position results in the least ground pressure.