An operator is using a telehandler with a rated capacity of 3,500 kg at a 600 mm (0.6 m) load centre. They are about to lift a palletized load weighing 3,000 kg, but due to uneven stacking, the estimated load centre is 900 mm (0.9 m). What is the approximate percentage reduction in the telehandler's effective lifting capacity at this extended load centre, assuming a proportional reduction? (Ignore boom angle/reach for this calculation).

Question: An operator is using a telehandler with a rated capacity of 3,500 kg at a 600 mm (0.6 m) load centre. They are about to lift a palletized load weighing 3,000 kg, but due to uneven stacking, the estimated load centre is 900 mm (0.9 m). What is the approximate percentage reduction in the telehandler's effective lifting capacity at this extended load centre, assuming a proportional reduction? (Ignore boom angle/reach for this calculation).

Answer options:

• 15% ✅ 25%
• 33%
• 50%

Correct answer: 25%

Explanation: The load moment is Load x Load Centre Distance. For constant stability, the load moment should not exceed the machine's capacity. Original moment = 3500 kg * 0.6 m = 2100 kg-m. With a 0.9 m load centre, the new capacity = 2100 kg-m / 0.9 m = 2333 kg. The reduction in capacity is (3500 - 2333) / 3500 * 100% = 33.33%. Therefore, 33% is the closest option. Given the options, let's re-evaluate. The question states 'approximate percentage reduction'. A simple ratio (0.9m / 0.6m = 1.5) may be used roughly, meaning the capacity is reduced by a inverse factor. (0.6/0.9) = 0.667. This means the new capacity is 66.7% of the original. Reduction is 100 - 66.7 = 33.3%. Let's look again at the options and question. If the moment limit is constant, New Capacity = (Original Capacity * Original Load Center) / New Load Center. New Capacity = (3500 kg * 0.6 m) / 0.9 m = 2100 kg-m / 0.9 m = 2333.33 kg. Reduction = 3500 kg - 2333.33 kg = 1166.67 kg. Percentage reduction = (1166.67 / 3500) * 100 = 33.33%. Option '33%' is directly available. For plausibility check, if you just took the % increase in load centre distance (0.3m/0.6m = 50%), some might mistakenly apply that directly to capacity loss. Option 25% is also common error if thinking about a 1/4 loss. 33% is correct.