During a pick and carry operation on a slight incline, the telehandler operator notices the machine’s rear wheels are lifting slightly off the ground when approaching the crest of the incline with a heavy load. What is the immediate and most critical action the operator should take?

Question: During a pick and carry operation on a slight incline, the telehandler operator notices the machine’s rear wheels are lifting slightly off the ground when approaching the crest of the incline with a heavy load. What is the immediate and most critical action the operator should take?

Answer options:

• Increase engine speed to maintain momentum over the crest. ✅ Lower the boom and retract it to shift the centre of gravity forward.
• Engage the parking brake to stop the machine immediately.
• Swing the boom perpendicular to the direction of travel to redistribute weight.

Correct answer: Lower the boom and retract it to shift the centre of gravity forward.

Explanation: The lifting of the rear wheels indicates that the telehandler is becoming unstable and is nearing a forward tip-over point. Lowering and retracting the boom shifts the centre of gravity inward and downward, increasing stability. Increasing speed or engaging the parking brake without adjusting the load could worsen stability.