Which factor is most directly addressed by outriggers in crane operation?

• A. Lifting speed
• B. Load weight capacity
• C. Stability of the crane on soft ground
• D. Operator visibility

Answer: (C)

Outriggers are there to stabilize the crane by widening its base and spreading the load over a larger ground area. On soft ground, the crane can sink or tilt if the base is narrow; extending the outriggers increases footprint and reduces ground pressure, helping keep the crane upright during lifting. Lifting speed depends on the hoisting system, not on outriggers. The load capacity is set by the crane’s rated capacity and overall stability, which outriggers support but don’t by themselves raise. Operator visibility isn’t affected by outriggers. So the factor most directly addressed by outriggers is stability of the crane on soft ground.