Remembering the switch from paper load charts to the digital ones on site

Back when I started, we had these huge paper load charts in the cab, all folded up and getting grimy. You'd be up there trying to find the right angle and radius, squinting at tiny print while the wind tried to snatch the page. About five years ago on a job in Tacoma, the company finally gave us tablets with the digital load charts built in. The difference was night and day. I could just tap my boom angle and radius, and it instantly showed my exact capacity, even with the outriggers only half extended. No more guessing or flipping pages with greasy gloves. It cut my setup time down by a good ten minutes every single lift and just felt so much safer. I do miss the simplicity of paper sometimes, but I wouldn't go back. Has anyone else's company made that switch, and how did it go for you?

3 comments

3 Comments

noah_palmer421mo ago

Honestly, I was a real holdout when they first brought the tablets in. I thought it was just more junk to break and distract you. But man, having that exact number pop up right there changed everything for me. It took the worry out of those tricky, close-to-the-limit picks. I still keep a paper copy in the truck as a backup, but I haven't needed it once. The old way just feels like guesswork now.

graytorres1mo agoMost Upvoted

Guesswork? I got good at the old way, and that skill kept me sharp. Now I just watch a screen.

michael8801mo ago

Sounds like @noah_palmer42 finally admitted the tablet isn't just a fancy paperweight. Good luck keeping those old paper charts sharp when the only thing they're good for now is catching your lunch grease.