NCCCO Mobile Crane Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Study Guide

The recommended practice is to place the crane's outrigger pads or tracks at least as far back as the depth of the wall below ground. This guideline is crucial for maintaining stability and safety while operating near a cellar wall.

When the outrigger pads or tracks are positioned close to or beyond this depth, it ensures that the load is distributed over a stable surface. If the outrigger pads are set too close to the wall, the weight of the crane may cause the wall to collapse, especially if the wall is not structurally sound enough to support the crane’s weight. Moreover, setting the outrigger pads at the correct distance helps in minimizing the risk of soil erosion or failure underneath the outrigger, which could lead to accidents or tipping.

In situations where the depth of the cellar wall is known, adhering to this distance helps to create a safer working environment, ensuring that the integrity of both the crane's operation and the surrounding structures is maintained.