Stability Triangle & Tip-Over Prevention Flashcards
7 cards from real CFA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Stability Triangle & Tip-Over Prevention flashcards as text
An asymmetrically loaded pallet (heavier on one side) creates what stability risk?
Answer: A shifted lateral center of gravity that increases side-tip risk
An off-center load shifts the combined lateral center of gravity toward the heavier side, which can move it closer to or outside the stability triangle boundary on that side.
Which combination MOST reduces lateral stability when operating a forklift?
Answer: Traveling with a raised load while turning
Combining a raised load with turning is the most dangerous scenario for lateral stability — an elevated center of gravity and centrifugal force act simultaneously to push the center of gravity outside the triangle.
When driving up a ramp with a load, the operator should:
Answer: Travel forward with the load facing uphill
When ascending a ramp with a load, travel forward with the load facing uphill so gravity keeps the load pressed against the carriage and the heavy side remains on the uphill portion.
How does sudden braking while carrying a load affect stability?
Answer: Forward inertia shifts the center of gravity toward the front, potentially outside the triangle
Sudden braking creates forward inertia that shifts the combined center of gravity forward; if severe enough, this can cause the load to tip forward over the front axle.
Why is it particularly dangerous to turn while the load is raised high?
Answer: The elevated center of gravity combined with centrifugal force greatly increases lateral tip-over risk
A raised load positions the center of gravity high, and centrifugal force during a turn can push that elevated center of gravity outside the stability triangle, causing a lateral tip-over.
What is the primary function of the counterweight on a counterbalanced forklift?
Answer: To offset the load's forward moment and keep the combined center of gravity within the stability triangle
The counterweight offsets the forward moment created by the load, keeping the combined center of gravity within the stability triangle under rated load conditions.
Placing a load too far forward on the forks (beyond the rated load center) affects stability by:
Answer: Moving the combined center of gravity further forward, reducing the stability margin toward the front of the triangle
A load placed beyond the rated load center moves the combined center of gravity further forward, reducing the margin before it exits the front boundary of the stability triangle.