An operator is tasked with placing a 1,500 kg bundle of lumber at a height of 8 metres. The telehandler's load chart indicates that at 8 metres height, the machine can safely lift 2,000 kg when the boom is extended 5 metres, but only 1,200 kg when extended 7 metres. The pile requires a boom extension of 6 metres to clear obstacles. What is the operator's safest course of action?

Question: An operator is tasked with placing a 1,500 kg bundle of lumber at a height of 8 metres. The telehandler's load chart indicates that at 8 metres height, the machine can safely lift 2,000 kg when the boom is extended 5 metres, but only 1,200 kg when extended 7 metres. The pile requires a boom extension of 6 metres to clear obstacles. What is the operator's safest course of action?

Answer options:

• Attempt to place the load cautiously, monitoring the load moment indicator. ✅ Relocate the telehandler closer to the target to reduce the required boom extension.
• Extend the boom fully to 7 metres and use the lower capacity value as per the chart.
• Use a different telehandler with a larger capacity.

Correct answer: Relocate the telehandler closer to the target to reduce the required boom extension.

Explanation: Since the required extension of 6 metres falls between two charted values, the operator must extrapolate or use the most conservative value. The safest action is to reposition the telehandler to minimize boom extension and ensure the load remains well within the rated capacity for the actual extension needed. Attempting to place a load that is possibly over capacity, or using a different machine without assessing its suitability, are not immediate safe actions.