Lifting over the side with a crawler crane produces ____ ground pressure.

Lifting over the side with a crawler crane results in the lowest ground pressure due to the way the crane's weight is distributed across its tracks. Crawler cranes are designed with wide tracks that help to disperse their weight over a larger surface area, reducing ground pressure when the load is lifted. When the crane operates in a standard lifting position, especially when lifting a load over the side, the load acts on the crane's center of gravity in a way that minimizes pressure on the ground beneath the tracks.

This configuration is particularly advantageous because it allows the crane to maintain stability and reduce the risk of ground failure during operations. The design of the tracks is also a crucial factor; they provide a larger footprint compared to standard wheeled cranes, further aiding in distributing the weight evenly.

In contrast, the other options describe either higher ground pressures or variability in distribution which do not accurately represent the mechanical advantages of crawler cranes when lifting over the side.