NCCCO - National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators Pick and Carry Operations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: During a pick and carry operation, how must the outriggers be positioned before the crane begins to travel?
- Fully extended and set on pads
- Partially extended for added stability
- Fully retracted into their travel position (Correct answer)
- Extended only on the load side
Correct answer: Fully retracted into their travel position
Outriggers must be fully retracted before the crane travels. Pick and carry operations use the crane's travel ratings, which assume outriggers are stowed; partially extended outriggers create an undefined and dangerous support condition.
Question 2: How does a crane's rated load capacity for pick and carry (traveling with a load) compare to its rated capacity for a stationary lift?
- It is the same, since the load line tension does not change
- It is higher, because momentum assists the lift
- It is reduced, because dynamic forces during travel increase stress on the structure (Correct answer)
- It doubles when the crane is on rubber tires
Correct answer: It is reduced, because dynamic forces during travel increase stress on the structure
Travel (pick and carry) ratings are lower than stationary ratings because movement introduces dynamic forces — acceleration, braking, and surface irregularities — that add stress beyond what the static load creates.
Question 3: At what height should the load be carried during a pick and carry operation?
- As high as necessary to clear all overhead obstacles
- At a height equal to half the boom length
- As low as practical while still clearing the ground and path obstructions (Correct answer)
- At the height specified on the load chart for maximum radius
Correct answer: As low as practical while still clearing the ground and path obstructions
Carrying the load as low as practical lowers the crane's combined center of gravity, reducing the risk of tipping. Unnecessarily high loads increase the tipping moment, especially on uneven terrain.
Question 4: What should be used to control load swing and prevent the load from rotating during a pick and carry move?
- The swing brake, applied lightly throughout travel
- The boom hoist, to rapidly reposition the boom
- The anti-two-block warning device
- Tag lines, managed by ground personnel walking alongside (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Tag lines, managed by ground personnel walking alongside
Tag lines allow ground personnel to dampen and guide the load, preventing uncontrolled rotation or swing caused by starting, stopping, or surface irregularities. No mechanical crane control can safely substitute for tag lines in managing a moving suspended load.
Question 5: Before beginning a pick and carry move, what must the operator do regarding the intended travel path?
- Survey the entire path for surface conditions, grades, obstacles, and overhead hazards (Correct answer)
- Sound the horn three times and proceed immediately
- Extend the boom to maximum length to check for clearance
- Confirm that the swing lock is engaged to prevent load movement
Correct answer: Survey the entire path for surface conditions, grades, obstacles, and overhead hazards
A pre-travel path survey identifies soft spots, grades, cross-slopes, underground utilities, overhead lines, and obstacles. Discovering a hazard mid-move with a suspended load is far more dangerous than planning a safe route in advance.
Question 6: During a pick and carry operation on a rubber-tired crane, why is it generally NOT recommended to engage the swing lock while traveling?
- It reduces the effectiveness of the braking system
- It prevents the anti-two-block device from functioning
- It can transmit sudden lateral forces directly to the crane structure if the crane tilts or shifts on uneven ground (Correct answer)
- It is only prohibited when the boom is over the front
Correct answer: It can transmit sudden lateral forces directly to the crane structure if the crane tilts or shifts on uneven ground
With the swing lock engaged, any lateral tilt from uneven terrain forces the boom and load to remain fixed relative to the crane, generating large side loads on the structure and increasing tip-over risk. Allowing some free swing lets the load hang more nearly vertical and reduces these forces.
NCCCO - National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators Pick and Carry Operations 1
During a pick and carry operation, how must the outriggers be positioned before the crane begins to travel?