Where do carrier-mounted cranes typically achieve their maximum lifting capacity?

• A. Over the rear
• B. Over the front
• C. Over the left
• D. Over the right

Answer: (A)

Stability against tipping is what limits how much a carrier-mounted crane can lift. The crane, vehicle, and load form a system that sits on a base created by the outriggers and wheels. When the hook is positioned to lift over the rear of the carrier, the load’s vertical force stays within that stable base and the vehicle’s own weight helps counterbalance the moment, giving the largest safety margin for lifting. If the load moves toward the front, the weight shifts forward, increasing the tipping tendency about the supports and reducing the safe capacity. Lifts to the sides introduce serious side-to-side tipping risks and aren’t used to maximize capacity. So, the maximum lifting capacity is typically achieved when the load is over the rear.