What happens when the boom of an unlevel crane is swung to the low side?

When the boom of an unlevel crane is swung to the low side, it increases the load radius. This situation occurs because the center of gravity of the load shifts further away from the crane's base as the boom extends outward in the direction of the low side. As the radius increases, it can lead to a reduction in load capacity and an increase in the risk of instability or tipping, depending on the load and the crane's specifications.

Understanding the relationship between the angle of the boom and the load radius is crucial for safe crane operation. A greater load radius often means that the crane has to exert more effort to maintain stability while lifting or moving loads. Therefore, operators must always take into account the positioning of the crane and the effects of an unlevel surface on its performance and safety.