Capacity Charts, Load Centres and Configuration
Reading the correct duties or capacity information for radius, height, load centre, attachment and machine set-up.
How to prepare for a CPCS category Theory Test
Learn the operator's safe decision sequence, connect it to the current category learning outcomes and practise explaining why the manufacturer, task and site controls apply.
Core concepts
Concept 1
Capacity depends on the exact machine, attachment, configuration, radius or load centre and operating condition.
Exam cue: Build the configuration before reading the capacity.
Concept 2
The total suspended or carried load includes relevant accessories and attachments, not only the payload.
Exam cue: Include every component contributing to the load.
Concept 3
Indicators assist the operator but do not replace the correct chart, configuration or lift plan.
Risk pitfalls and guardrails
Reading a maximum headline capacity as universal.
Guardrail: Do not replace a manufacturer limit, competent plan, physical control or authorised decision with experience or memorised wording.
Using an indicator to justify a configuration the chart does not permit.
Guardrail: Do not replace a manufacturer limit, competent plan, physical control or authorised decision with experience or memorised wording.
Memory anchors
Configure, Then Chart
Select the applicable duty before capacity.
Radius Reduces Reserve
Increasing reach usually reduces available capacity.
Count the Whole Load
Payload, accessories and attachments all matter.
Indicator Informs
It does not rewrite the duty chart.
Wrong Chart, Wrong Answer
Match identity and configuration exactly.
Checkpoint rule
Do the check-up only after you can summarize each concept in one sentence and identify one dangerous pitfall from memory.
Knowledge Check (after reading)
Short check-up to confirm understanding of this module.
Check-up Questions
Next step personalized recommendations
Continue learning
Move forward only after this module is stable.
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