How do you interpret a load chart to determine if a lift is safe?

• A. Compare the lift height to the chart without considering ballast.
• B. Look at the lift radius but ignore ballast.
• C. Check the lift height and radius against the chart for the current ballast; ensure the curve stays within the safe region.
• D. Use the chart only for maximum loads, not for height or radius.

Answer: (C)

Interpreting a load chart revolves around stability boundaries. The chart shows how much weight you can safely lift at different reach (radius) and lift height for a given ballast. To assess safety, confirm the ballast configuration and use the corresponding chart. Then compare the planned lift’s height and radius to the chart: the actual load must lie on or inside the curve for the machine to be considered safe. If the point falls outside the curve, the lift is not safe at that height and reach with that ballast, and you need to adjust either the ballast, height, or radius.

Why ballast matters: changing ballast changes the curve because it affects stability. More ballast typically allows higher capacity at the same height and radius; less ballast reduces capacity. That’s why you must always use the chart that matches the current ballast and evaluate both height and radius together rather than relying on one dimension alone.