Before transporting a crane, what must be done to the boom?

Before transporting a crane, the boom must be fully retracted, lowered, and properly stowed. This is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, having the boom fully retracted and lowered minimizes the overall height and width of the crane, making it safer and easier to transport while adhering to road regulations concerning vehicle dimensions. Proper stowing of the boom helps prevent damage during transit, as it protects the boom from being caught on obstacles or other vehicles. Additionally, securely stowing the boom reduces the risk of it moving unexpectedly during transportation, which could pose a safety hazard to both the equipment and surrounding traffic.

Transporting the crane with the boom in an extended or raised position would significantly increase the risk of accidents and could also make the crane vulnerable to damage from low bridges, overhead wires, or other obstructions. Therefore, the required procedure of fully retracting, lowering, and properly securing the boom is essential for safe crane operation during transport.