When traveling with a load, how should the crane's boom and the load be positioned?

• A. Short as possible, high off the ground
• B. Short as possible, low to the ground
• C. Long as possible, low to the ground
• D. Long as possible, high off the ground

Answer: (B)

Stability and control are the priorities when moving a load. Keeping the boom shortened and the load close to the ground minimizes the tipping moment and reduces load sway. A shorter boom means less lever arm and smaller horizontal forces; keeping the load low lowers the center of gravity and makes it easier to manage sway and maintain track stability. With a long boom or with the load high off the ground, the system is more unstable: the load creates a larger tipping moment, and any movement can produce greater sway, which is dangerous during travel. So the best practice is to keep the boom short and the load low to the ground.