An excavator operator is planning to lift a 3,000 kg precast concrete barrier. The excavator's load chart indicates a maximum lifting capacity of 3,500 kg at a 6-metre load radius and 2,500 kg at an 8-metre load radius. The barrier needs to be placed at a distance of 7 metres from the excavator's centre of rotation. What is the safest course of action for the operator?

Question: An excavator operator is planning to lift a 3,000 kg precast concrete barrier. The excavator's load chart indicates a maximum lifting capacity of 3,500 kg at a 6-metre load radius and 2,500 kg at an 8-metre load radius. The barrier needs to be placed at a distance of 7 metres from the excavator's centre of rotation. What is the safest course of action for the operator?

Answer options: ✅ Position the excavator closer to the load to achieve a 6-metre load radius or less.

• Proceed with the lift as 3,000 kg is less than the 3,500 kg capacity listed.
• Use a longer boom extension to increase the lifting height without moving the excavator.
• Reduce the counterweight on the excavator to improve stability during the lift.

Correct answer: Position the excavator closer to the load to achieve a 6-metre load radius or less.

Explanation: To safely lift the 3,000 kg barrier, the operator must ensure the load radius does not exceed the capacity for that weight. Since the capacity at 7 metres would be interpolated to be less than 3,500 kg but more than 2,500 kg, and 3,000 kg is within that range, positioning closer to achieve a 6-metre radius or less (where capacity is 3,500 kg) provides a safety margin. Proceeding based on the 3,500 kg capacity without considering the specific load radius is incorrect, using a longer boom extension would increase the load radius and reduce capacity, and reducing counterweight would decrease stability and lifting capacity.