An excavator operator is preparing to lift a precast concrete block weighing 1,800 kg. The lift chart indicates a maximum capacity of 2,000 kg at a 5.0-metre load radius. The ground is soft and uneven. Before attempting the lift, what additional step should the operator take to evaluate stability, beyond checking the lift chart for level ground capacity?

Question: An excavator operator is preparing to lift a precast concrete block weighing 1,800 kg. The lift chart indicates a maximum capacity of 2,000 kg at a 5.0-metre load radius. The ground is soft and uneven. Before attempting the lift, what additional step should the operator take to evaluate stability, beyond checking the lift chart for level ground capacity?

Answer options:

• Increase the engine RPM to maximum for added power.
• Install a larger bucket to serve as a counterweight. ✅ Perform a slow, controlled test lift with the actual load just off the ground to observe stability.
• Disengage the swing brake for easier positioning during the lift.

Correct answer: Perform a slow, controlled test lift with the actual load just off the ground to observe stability.

Explanation: On soft and uneven ground, the excavator's stability can be significantly compromised, and the lift chart's capacities may not apply directly. Performing a slow, controlled test lift, raising the load just off the ground, allows the operator to observe how the machine reacts, whether the tracks dig in excessively, or if there's any sign of instability, before committing to a full lift. Increasing RPM or installing a larger bucket won't directly address ground stability, and disengaging the swing brake is typically not advised during a lift.