An operator is preparing to lift a 1,200 kg load. The telehandler's load chart shows that at a 5-metre forward reach, the maximum capacity is 2,000 kg at 1.5-metre lift height, and at a 7-metre forward reach, the maximum capacity is 900 kg at 1.5-metre lift height. For a safe lift, what is the maximum forward reach at which this 1,200 kg load can be handled at a 1.5-metre lift height?

Question: An operator is preparing to lift a 1,200 kg load. The telehandler's load chart shows that at a 5-metre forward reach, the maximum capacity is 2,000 kg at 1.5-metre lift height, and at a 7-metre forward reach, the maximum capacity is 900 kg at 1.5-metre lift height. For a safe lift, what is the maximum forward reach at which this 1,200 kg load can be handled at a 1.5-metre lift height?

Answer options:

• Approximately 5.8 metres, requiring interpolation. ✅ Precisely 5.0 metres.
• Precisely 7.0 metres.
• Approximately 6.5 metres, based on average.

Correct answer: Precisely 5.0 metres.

Explanation: According to the load chart data provided, at a 5-metre forward reach, the telehandler can safely handle 2,000 kg. However, at 7 metres, the capacity drops to 900 kg, which is less than the 1,200 kg load. Therefore, to safely lift a 1,200 kg load, the forward reach must be limited to 5.0 metres or less. While interpolation is sometimes used, in this specific scenario, moving beyond 5.0 metres would fall into a region where the capacity is explicitly shown to be lower than the load, making 5.0 metres the maximum safe reach.