With the correct D/d ratio, what percentage of the rated load can a sling in a basket hitch lift?

The D/d ratio refers to the diameter of the sling and the load it is lifting, where 'D' is the diameter of the load, and 'd' is the diameter of the sling. When this ratio is optimal, specifically when the D/d ratio is 3 or greater, it allows the sling to effectively utilize its full lifting capacity.

In a basket hitch configuration, the sling creates a loop that distributes the load evenly across the two legs of the sling. This setup provides increased stability and strength compared to a single vertical lift. As a result, when utilizing the correct D/d ratio in a basket hitch, the sling can lift effectively up to 200% of its rated capacity. This means that if a sling has a rated capacity of 1,000 pounds, it can safely lift loads totaling 2,000 pounds when set up as a basket hitch with the correct D/d ratio.

This is fundamentally why the correct answer reflects a percentage of 200% under optimal conditions, demonstrating the enhanced lifting capability provided by the basket hitch configuration when paired with the appropriate D/d ratio.