An excavator operator is planning a lift using a 20-tonne excavator. The lift chart indicates a maximum capacity of 3,500 kg at a 6-metre load radius. For the same radius, the chart shows a capacity of 4,200 kg over the side. The operator needs to lift a 3,800 kg load. What is the operator's best course of action?

Question: An excavator operator is planning a lift using a 20-tonne excavator. The lift chart indicates a maximum capacity of 3,500 kg at a 6-metre load radius. For the same radius, the chart shows a capacity of 4,200 kg over the side. The operator needs to lift a 3,800 kg load. What is the operator's best course of action?

Answer options:

• Position the excavator to lift the load over the side to utilize the higher capacity.
• Attempt the lift carefully, as the load is only slightly over the front capacity. ✅ Reduce the load radius by moving closer to the object, if possible, to increase capacity.
• Increase the counterweight on the excavator to improve stability for the lift.

Correct answer: Reduce the load radius by moving closer to the object, if possible, to increase capacity.

Explanation: If the load exceeds the capacity for the current load radius, reducing the load radius by moving the excavator closer to the object is the safest way to increase the excavator's lifting capacity. Lifting over the side is not always feasible or safe for all operations, and increasing counterweight is typically not an option for standard excavators in the field.