What is a concern when operating a short boom at a high angle on an R/T crane?

Operating a short boom at a high angle on a rough terrain (R/T) crane raises concerns primarily related to backwards stability. When the boom is extended at a high angle, the centre of gravity of the load shifts significantly, leading to a potential instability issue particularly in the rear of the crane. This is critical because if the load is too heavy or improperly positioned, it can cause the crane to tip over backward. Furthermore, a high boom angle often leads to a reduction in the crane's footprint stability as the weight distribution changes, putting additional stress on the rear stabilizers.

Maintaining proper stability is essential for safe operations, and operators must be acutely aware of the potential for tipping when using configurations that compromise the crane's balance.