Overhead Crane Practice Test

What is the term used to describe very short movements during hoisting operations?

1. Inching

2. On-off movement

3. Shifting

4. Pacing

The correct answer is: Inching

The term "inching" refers to the ability to move a load in very small, precise increments during hoisting operations. This technique is crucial for ensuring accuracy and safety when positioning loads, especially in confined spaces or when great care is required to avoid obstacles. Inching allows the operator to have better control over the load and respond quickly to changes in the environment or to the load's behavior. In contrast, the other terms entail different meanings. "On-off movement" typically describes a situation where the hoist is either fully engaged or disengaged, lacking the fine control that inching provides. "Shifting" usually refers to moving a load from one point to another more significantly and does not emphasize the precision of small movements. "Pacing" generally involves the speed of movement rather than the incremental adjustments that inching describes. Thus, inching is the most accurate term for very short movements during hoisting operations.