A telehandler operator needs to place a 1,000 kg steel beam at a height of 12 metres with a horizontal reach of 7 metres. Consulting the load chart, the operator finds that the chart indicates 1,000 kg at 12 m height for a 5 m reach, and 750 kg at 12 m height for an 8 m reach. Which of the following is the most appropriate action?

Question: A telehandler operator needs to place a 1,000 kg steel beam at a height of 12 metres with a horizontal reach of 7 metres. Consulting the load chart, the operator finds that the chart indicates 1,000 kg at 12 m height for a 5 m reach, and 750 kg at 12 m height for an 8 m reach. Which of the following is the most appropriate action?

Answer options:

• Assume 1,000 kg is safe, as the target reach is less than 8 m. ✅ Relocate the telehandler closer to the landing spot to reduce the reach.
• Attempt the lift and monitor the LMI closely.
• Use a different telehandler with a higher maximum lift capacity.

Correct answer: Relocate the telehandler closer to the landing spot to reduce the reach.

Explanation: The load chart shows that at 12 m height, the capacity decreases significantly between 5 m and 8 m reach. Since 7 m reach likely falls into a capacity lower than 1,000 kg, the safest and most appropriate action is to reduce the reach by moving the telehandler closer. Using a different telehandler, if available, could also be a solution but the prime and immediate action for this machine is to reduce the reach. Assuming it's safe or just monitoring the LMI without corrective action is unsafe.