An operator observes that when the telehandler boom is fully extended to increase the load radius, the Load Moment Indicator (LMI) displays a higher percentage of rated capacity for a fixed load weight. What does this observation indicate about the relationship between load radius and capacity?

Question: An operator observes that when the telehandler boom is fully extended to increase the load radius, the Load Moment Indicator (LMI) displays a higher percentage of rated capacity for a fixed load weight. What does this observation indicate about the relationship between load radius and capacity?

Answer options:

• Increasing load radius increases stability, thus increasing capacity. ✅ Increasing load radius decreases the effective capacity of the telehandler.
• The LMI is malfunctioning, as capacity should remain constant.
• This indicates that the telehandler is performing optimally.

Correct answer: Increasing load radius decreases the effective capacity of the telehandler.

Explanation: As the load radius increases, the overturning moment on the telehandler increases. To maintain stability, the allowable capacity of the telehandler decreases. The LMI accurately reflects this by showing a higher percentage of the (now lower) rated capacity for the same load, indicating it's moving closer to an overload condition. Therefore, increasing the load radius decreases the effective capacity.