When extending boom sections that have independent hydraulic controls, what is crucial for safety?

When extending boom sections that have independent hydraulic controls, extending equally is crucial for safety because it ensures that the crane or digger remains balanced during the operation. Unequal extension of boom sections can lead to an imbalance, significantly increasing the risk of tipping or causing structural failure. An unbalanced boom may cause sudden shifts, putting not only the equipment at risk but also jeopardizing the safety of operators and bystanders.

While managing speed, monitoring pressure, and checking the load weight are all important operational practices, they do not specifically address the stability concerns that arise during the extension of boom sections. Equal extension allows for maintaining a stable center of gravity, reducing the chances of the crane becoming unstable as loads are lifted or moved. Thus, the safety of the operation primarily hinges on achieving equal extension of the boom sections.