Massachusetts Hoisting License Practice Test

What should you do if a front-end loader starts to tip while traveling cross slop?

1. Steer left to regain balance

2. Place the bucket on the ground and steer downhill

3. Accelerate to straighten the machine

4. Turn off the engine immediately

The correct answer is: Place the bucket on the ground and steer downhill

When a front-end loader starts to tip while traveling across a slope, the most effective action is to place the bucket on the ground and steer downhill. This technique is essential for regaining stability. Lowering the bucket creates a wider base of support and helps shift the machine’s center of gravity back towards the ground, which can prevent it from tipping over. Steering downhill allows the operator to align the loader more safely on the slope and reduces the chance of rolling over. It is a critical safety measure to maintain control of the loader and avoid a potentially dangerous situation. The other choices may seem plausible but do not address the core issue of regaining balance effectively. Steering left may not necessarily help if the loader is tipping, accelerating can exacerbate instability, and turning off the engine does not provide a solution for immediate stabilization while on an incline.