During a pick and carry operation on a construction site, the telehandler operator encounters a section of newly backfilled trench. The backfill appears stable but is visibly softer than the surrounding compacted ground. What is the operator's best approach when crossing this area with a load?

Question: During a pick and carry operation on a construction site, the telehandler operator encounters a section of newly backfilled trench. The backfill appears stable but is visibly softer than the surrounding compacted ground. What is the operator's best approach when crossing this area with a load?

Answer options:

• Increase speed to cross the soft ground quickly before the machine can sink. ✅ Proceed slowly, maintaining a low boom and retracted position, and be prepared to stop if instability is felt.
• Lift the load higher to reduce ground pressure from the telehandler's tires.
• Engage four-wheel drive and maintain a steady, moderate speed across the area.

Correct answer: Proceed slowly, maintaining a low boom and retracted position, and be prepared to stop if instability is felt.

Explanation: When encountering soft ground, the safest approach is to proceed slowly with the load as low and retracted as possible to maintain maximum stability and a low centre of gravity. Increasing speed could lead to loss of control or sinking, and lifting the load higher would significantly decrease stability. Engaging four-wheel drive is good for traction but doesn't mitigate instability from soft ground.