How do you test the load brake on a LULL?

Testing the load brake on a LULL involves lifting the load just off the ground and returning the boom handle to the neutral position. This procedure helps ensure that the brake system is functioning effectively when the boom is not actively being controlled. By doing this, you can confirm that the brake holds the load in place without allowing it to drift or move unintentionally.

When you lift the load just off the ground, it allows the system to engage the brakes under a load condition. Returning the boom handle to neutral effectively removes any active controls, allowing the load brake to be tested in a static position. This is critical for ensuring safety, as it verifies that the load will remain secure when the operator is no longer manipulating the boom.

In contrast, lifting the load until fully extended could lead to unnecessary strain on the lifting apparatus and does not specifically test the brake. Keeping the load on the ground doesn’t evaluate the brake's holding capabilities under more dynamic conditions, and reversing the boom may introduce variables that do not give a clear indication of the brake's performance. Each of these alternatives fails to fully assess the functionality of the load brake as required by safe operation protocols.