Differentiate between a vertical hitch and a basket hitch for slings, and explain when each is appropriate.

• A. Vertical hitch uses two sling legs; basket hitch uses two; neither matches.
• B. Vertical hitch uses a single sling leg to attach to the load; basket hitch wraps the load with two sling legs to cradle it, increasing capacity and stability for certain loads; use according to load shape and manufacturer guidance.
• C. They are identical in function.
• D. Vertical hitch uses a single sling leg to attach to the load; basket hitch wraps the load with two sling legs.

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is how the sling attaches to the load and how that affects lift stability. A vertical hitch uses a single sling leg attached to the load, so the load is carried from one point. A basket hitch uses two sling legs that wrap around the load to form a cradle, distributing the lift forces over a larger area and helping keep the load stable during the lift.

Use a vertical hitch for simple, uniform loads that can be lifted from a single point without tilting. Use a basket hitch for bulky, irregular, or delicate loads where cradling and distributing the forces over two legs improves stability and balance during lifting.

The other options aren’t accurate because they either misstate how many sling legs are used or claim the hitches are the same.