A telehandler's lift capacity chart specifies lower capacities when operating with significant forward reach and elevated boom angles. An operator observes that their telehandler is 'dog-walking' or crabbing excessively, even on a firm, level surface, and the tires appear under-inflated on one side. This is not noted on the daily inspection sheet. Based on best practices and safety regulations such as CSA B354.2, what is the most critical immediate action for the operator, and why?

Question: A telehandler's lift capacity chart specifies lower capacities when operating with significant forward reach and elevated boom angles. An operator observes that their telehandler is 'dog-walking' or crabbing excessively, even on a firm, level surface, and the tires appear under-inflated on one side. This is not noted on the daily inspection sheet. Based on best practices and safety regulations such as CSA B354.2, what is the most critical immediate action for the operator, and why?

Answer options:

• Continue operations cautiously, as the machine is designed to handle some crabbing, and report the under-inflation at the end of the shift.
• Adjust tire pressures on site using a portable compressor and then resume work. ✅ Stop operations, park on level ground, and immediately check all tire pressures against the manufacturer's specifications. Do not resume work until pressures are correct or the machine is deemed safe by maintenance personnel, as incorrect pressures affect stability and capacity.
• Shift the load slightly to balance the machine and mitigate the crabbing effect.

Correct answer: Stop operations, park on level ground, and immediately check all tire pressures against the manufacturer's specifications. Do not resume work until pressures are correct or the machine is deemed safe by maintenance personnel, as incorrect pressures affect stability and capacity.

Explanation: Incorrect tire pressure, especially unevenly across a telehandler, critically affects machine stability, load chart validity, and the safe operating envelope. Operating with under-inflated tires severely compromises safety, potentially leading to tip-overs or loss of control, and is a direct violation of stability requirements in safety standards.