1
EICA Mobile Crane & Digger Derrick Exam Actual
Exam 2026/2027 – Complete Exam-Style Questions
with Detailed Rationales | 100% Verified – Pass
Guaranteed – A+ Graded
Section 1: Crane Components & Inspections (Questions 1-20)
Q1: Which component of a mobile crane is primarily responsible for preventing the crane from
tipping over by counterbalancing the weight of the load?
A. The turntable
B. The outriggers
C. The counterweight [CORRECT]
D. The headache ball
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The counterweight is specifically designed to balance the moment created by the load
and the boom's weight. While outriggers provide stability, the counterweight provides the
necessary counter-balancing force.
Q2: What is the function of the Load Moment Indicator (LMI) on a mobile crane?
A. It automatically levels the crane during setup.
B. It measures the exact weight of the load only.
C. It calculates the load's moment and compares it to the crane's rated capacity to prevent
overload. [CORRECT]
D. It controls the speed of the hoist motor.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The LMI uses sensors for load weight, radius, and angle to compute the current load
moment. It warns the operator (typically at 90% capacity) and can cut out functions (at 100%) to
prevent tipping.
Q3: Which type of wire rope construction is most resistant to rotation and is typically used for
hoisting lines on cranes where load spinning is a concern?
,2
A. 6x19 classification
B. 6x37 classification
C. Rotation-resistant wire rope [CORRECT]
D. Lang lay wire rope
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rotation-resistant wire ropes are designed with special strand constructions (often
8x19 or 8x25 with multiple layers) to minimize torque and spin, essential for single-part hoist
lines.
Q4: According to standard inspection criteria, when is a wire rope required to be removed from
service due to broken wires in rotation-resistant ropes?
A. When 1 broken wire is found in one lay length
B. When 2 broken wires are found in one lay length [CORRECT]
C. When 10% of the wires are broken in one strand
D. When 6 broken wires are found in one lay length
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For rotation-resistant ropes, the retirement criteria are stricter than standard ropes.
OSHA/ASME standards typically require removal if there are 2 broken wires in one lay length
(or sometimes specific localized break patterns).
Q5: What is the purpose of the "anti-two block" device on a crane?
A. To prevent the crane from moving while the load is suspended.
B. To prevent the hoist line from paying out too much slack.
C. To prevent the hook block from contacting the boom tip, which could cause wire rope failure
or structural damage. [CORRECT]
D. To limit the rotation speed of the turntable.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: "Two-blocking" occurs when the hook block contacts the boom tip sheaves. The anti-
two-block device senses this proximity and disables hoist-up and telescope-out functions to
prevent catastrophic failure.
,3
Q6: During a daily inspection, an operator notices that the opening of the hook has increased by
15% compared to its original size. What action should be taken?
A. Lubricate the hook and continue operation.
B. Reduce the load capacity by 15%.
C. Remove the hook from service immediately. [CORRECT]
D. Weld the hook throat to reinforce it.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A hook throat opening increase of 15% or more is a critical defect indicating
stretching or deformation. The hook must be removed from service; welding is strictly
prohibited.
Q7: Which of the following describes "Regular Lay" wire rope?
A. The wires in the strands are twisted in the same direction as the strands are twisted around the
core.
B. The wires in the strands are twisted in the opposite direction to the strands are twisted around
the core. [CORRECT]
C. The strands are twisted around a fiber core only.
D. The rope has no tendency to rotate under load.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In Regular Lay (also called Ordinary Lay), the wires run in one direction and the
strands run in the opposite direction. This offers less rotation but is generally more stable and
resistant to crushing than Lang Lay.
Q8: What is the primary visual difference between a "swivel" hook and a "non-swivel" hook?
A. A swivel hook has a latch and a non-swivel does not.
B. A swivel hook incorporates a bearing that allows the hook to rotate independently of the load
block. [CORRECT]
C. A non-swivel hook is always made of cast steel, while swivel hooks are forged.
D. There is no visual difference; the mechanism is internal.
, 4
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A swivel hook allows the load to rotate freely without twisting the hoist line,
preventing stress on the wire rope. This is usually visible as a rotating mechanism between the
hook body and the attachment shackle or bail.
Q9: Which inspection must be performed by a "qualified person" (often an external inspector)
rather than just the operator?
A. Daily pre-shift inspection
B. Frequent inspection (monthly)
C. Periodic inspection (annual) [CORRECT]
D. Pre-operational functional test
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Periodic inspections are comprehensive inspections required at intervals not
exceeding 1 year (or based on service) and must be performed by a qualified person, often
requiring disassembly or detailed non-destructive testing.
Q10: On a telescopic boom crane, what is the function of the boom angle indicator?
A. It shows the radius of the load.
B. It indicates the angle of the boom relative to the horizontal plane. [CORRECT]
C. It displays the weight of the load on the hook.
D. It controls the extension of the boom sections.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The boom angle indicator is a critical device (mechanical or electronic) that shows the
boom's angle. This angle, combined with boom length, is used to determine the working radius
and capacity.
Q11: What is a "crush" failure mode in wire rope, and what causes it?
A. Tension causing wires to break; caused by overloading.
B. Corrosion causing rust; caused by lack of lubrication.
EICA Mobile Crane & Digger Derrick Exam Actual
Exam 2026/2027 – Complete Exam-Style Questions
with Detailed Rationales | 100% Verified – Pass
Guaranteed – A+ Graded
Section 1: Crane Components & Inspections (Questions 1-20)
Q1: Which component of a mobile crane is primarily responsible for preventing the crane from
tipping over by counterbalancing the weight of the load?
A. The turntable
B. The outriggers
C. The counterweight [CORRECT]
D. The headache ball
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The counterweight is specifically designed to balance the moment created by the load
and the boom's weight. While outriggers provide stability, the counterweight provides the
necessary counter-balancing force.
Q2: What is the function of the Load Moment Indicator (LMI) on a mobile crane?
A. It automatically levels the crane during setup.
B. It measures the exact weight of the load only.
C. It calculates the load's moment and compares it to the crane's rated capacity to prevent
overload. [CORRECT]
D. It controls the speed of the hoist motor.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The LMI uses sensors for load weight, radius, and angle to compute the current load
moment. It warns the operator (typically at 90% capacity) and can cut out functions (at 100%) to
prevent tipping.
Q3: Which type of wire rope construction is most resistant to rotation and is typically used for
hoisting lines on cranes where load spinning is a concern?
,2
A. 6x19 classification
B. 6x37 classification
C. Rotation-resistant wire rope [CORRECT]
D. Lang lay wire rope
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rotation-resistant wire ropes are designed with special strand constructions (often
8x19 or 8x25 with multiple layers) to minimize torque and spin, essential for single-part hoist
lines.
Q4: According to standard inspection criteria, when is a wire rope required to be removed from
service due to broken wires in rotation-resistant ropes?
A. When 1 broken wire is found in one lay length
B. When 2 broken wires are found in one lay length [CORRECT]
C. When 10% of the wires are broken in one strand
D. When 6 broken wires are found in one lay length
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For rotation-resistant ropes, the retirement criteria are stricter than standard ropes.
OSHA/ASME standards typically require removal if there are 2 broken wires in one lay length
(or sometimes specific localized break patterns).
Q5: What is the purpose of the "anti-two block" device on a crane?
A. To prevent the crane from moving while the load is suspended.
B. To prevent the hoist line from paying out too much slack.
C. To prevent the hook block from contacting the boom tip, which could cause wire rope failure
or structural damage. [CORRECT]
D. To limit the rotation speed of the turntable.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: "Two-blocking" occurs when the hook block contacts the boom tip sheaves. The anti-
two-block device senses this proximity and disables hoist-up and telescope-out functions to
prevent catastrophic failure.
,3
Q6: During a daily inspection, an operator notices that the opening of the hook has increased by
15% compared to its original size. What action should be taken?
A. Lubricate the hook and continue operation.
B. Reduce the load capacity by 15%.
C. Remove the hook from service immediately. [CORRECT]
D. Weld the hook throat to reinforce it.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A hook throat opening increase of 15% or more is a critical defect indicating
stretching or deformation. The hook must be removed from service; welding is strictly
prohibited.
Q7: Which of the following describes "Regular Lay" wire rope?
A. The wires in the strands are twisted in the same direction as the strands are twisted around the
core.
B. The wires in the strands are twisted in the opposite direction to the strands are twisted around
the core. [CORRECT]
C. The strands are twisted around a fiber core only.
D. The rope has no tendency to rotate under load.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In Regular Lay (also called Ordinary Lay), the wires run in one direction and the
strands run in the opposite direction. This offers less rotation but is generally more stable and
resistant to crushing than Lang Lay.
Q8: What is the primary visual difference between a "swivel" hook and a "non-swivel" hook?
A. A swivel hook has a latch and a non-swivel does not.
B. A swivel hook incorporates a bearing that allows the hook to rotate independently of the load
block. [CORRECT]
C. A non-swivel hook is always made of cast steel, while swivel hooks are forged.
D. There is no visual difference; the mechanism is internal.
, 4
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A swivel hook allows the load to rotate freely without twisting the hoist line,
preventing stress on the wire rope. This is usually visible as a rotating mechanism between the
hook body and the attachment shackle or bail.
Q9: Which inspection must be performed by a "qualified person" (often an external inspector)
rather than just the operator?
A. Daily pre-shift inspection
B. Frequent inspection (monthly)
C. Periodic inspection (annual) [CORRECT]
D. Pre-operational functional test
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Periodic inspections are comprehensive inspections required at intervals not
exceeding 1 year (or based on service) and must be performed by a qualified person, often
requiring disassembly or detailed non-destructive testing.
Q10: On a telescopic boom crane, what is the function of the boom angle indicator?
A. It shows the radius of the load.
B. It indicates the angle of the boom relative to the horizontal plane. [CORRECT]
C. It displays the weight of the load on the hook.
D. It controls the extension of the boom sections.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The boom angle indicator is a critical device (mechanical or electronic) that shows the
boom's angle. This angle, combined with boom length, is used to determine the working radius
and capacity.
Q11: What is a "crush" failure mode in wire rope, and what causes it?
A. Tension causing wires to break; caused by overloading.
B. Corrosion causing rust; caused by lack of lubrication.
