When subdividing carrier mounted telescopic, boom cranes, which piece of equipment must be considered?

• A. Counterweights
• B. Outriggers
• C. Jib
• D. Head

Answer: (D)

When subdividing the lifting duties of a carrier-mounted telescopic boom crane, focus on the part through which the load is actually lifted—the head. The head houses the hoist mechanism, the rope or cable reeving, and the hook block, so it defines the load path and the maximum load that can be safely raised at the end of the boom. That load-path and capacity information drive how you subdivide or stage the lift.

Outriggers, counterweights, and the jib influence stability, balance, and reach, but they do not determine the actual load path and the hoisting capacity at the hook. Therefore, the head is the critical piece to consider when subdividing loads in this type of crane.