Crane Operator Swing Cab Practice Exam
Questions And Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. What is the primary purpose of the load chart on a mobile crane?
a) To calculate engine efficiency
b) To determine the maximum lifting capacity at various boom
lengths and angles
c) To measure fuel consumption
d) To schedule maintenance
b) To determine the maximum lifting capacity at various boom
lengths and angles
The load chart is essential for safe lifting operations, showing
limits based on boom length, angle, and counterweight.
2. Before lifting a load, what is the most important step?
a) Checking the weather report
b) Inspecting the crane and ground conditions
c) Calculating the operator’s work hours
d) Adjusting the seat position
b) Inspecting the crane and ground conditions
Ensuring the crane is stable and the ground can support the load is
critical for safe operation.
,3. What does “outrigger extended” mean in crane operation?
a) The crane boom is fully raised
b) Stabilizing arms are deployed to increase stability
c) The crane is ready to move
d) The load hook is detached
b) Stabilizing arms are deployed to increase stability
Outriggers increase the base area of the crane, preventing tipping
during lifts.
4. How does wind affect crane operations?
a) It only affects small cranes
b) It has no effect if the load is light
c) It can destabilize the crane and swing the load dangerously
d) It only matters during night operations
c) It can destabilize the crane and swing the load dangerously
Wind exerts force on both the crane and the load, which can cause
tipping or uncontrolled swinging.
5. When lifting a load, the hook block should be positioned:
a) Above the crane cab
b) As close to the load as possible without dragging
c) At the maximum boom length
d) At ground level
b) As close to the load as possible without dragging
Reducing the distance between the hook and the load minimizes
pendulum effect and increases control.
6. Which type of crane uses a swinging cab design?
a) Tower crane
b) Mobile crane with rotating cab
, c) Gantry crane
d) Crawler crane with fixed cab
b) Mobile crane with rotating cab
Swing cab mobile cranes allow the operator to rotate the cab
independently for better visibility.
7. The purpose of a load moment indicator (LMI) is to:
a) Measure engine performance
b) Prevent overloading by monitoring crane stability
c) Indicate fuel level
d) Calculate travel distance
b) Prevent overloading by monitoring crane stability
An LMI warns operators if a lift exceeds safe limits, reducing risk of
tipping.
8. What should an operator do if the ground is soft under the
outriggers?
a) Proceed with caution
b) Use cribbing or mats to distribute weight
c) Ignore it if the load is light
d) Only lift slowly
b) Use cribbing or mats to distribute weight
Cribbing increases surface area to prevent the crane from sinking
or tipping.
9. Which signal is commonly used by a crane spotter to indicate
“stop”?
a) Hand moving in a circular motion
b) Arm extended horizontally with palm down
c) Waving both hands overhead
, d) Pointing to the load
b) Arm extended horizontally with palm down
Standard crane hand signals ensure safe communication between
spotter and operator.
10. When performing a lift over personnel, what is the safest
practice?
a) Move slowly and carefully
b) Only lift small loads
c) Ensure no personnel are under the load
d) Use a radio to warn them
c) Ensure no personnel are under the load
Never lifting loads over people reduces risk of injury in case of load
drop.
11. The boom angle is measured from:
a) The horizontal ground
b) The vertical axis
c) The cab rotation point
d) The hook block
a) The horizontal ground
Boom angle affects load capacity and stability; angles are
measured relative to horizontal.
12. What is the primary function of counterweights on a mobile
crane?
a) To balance the crane and prevent tipping
b) To assist in steering
c) To stabilize the outriggers
d) To increase engine power