If the ground under the outriggers collapses, which of the following describes the crane's condition?

• A. Center of gravity shifts forward
• B. Radius decreases
• C. Stability increases
• D. Load height decreases

Answer: (A)

When a crane is supported by outriggers, stability comes from keeping the entire weight (the center of gravity) over the base footprint. If the ground under the outriggers collapses, that side loses support and the crane tilts toward it. The whole system then pivots, and the combined center of gravity shifts forward relative to the base. That forward shift increases the tipping tendency and reduces stability. The other options don’t describe what happens: the radius to the load doesn’t automatically get smaller just from a support failure, stability doesn’t improve, and load height isn’t a guaranteed consequence of the ground collapse.