CFA Stability Triangle & Tip-Over Prevention 2

Question 1

Where is the center of gravity of an unloaded counterbalanced forklift typically located?

Accepted Answer

Within the machine frame between front and rear axles

Answer

The unloaded forklift's center of gravity sits within the machine frame, held behind the front axle by the heavy counterweight at the rear.

Question 2

When a load is placed on the forks, the combined center of gravity shifts:

Accepted Answer

Forward toward the load

Answer

Adding a load shifts the combined center of gravity forward toward the load, which is why exceeding rated capacity risks tipping the forklift forward over the front axle.

Question 3

When traveling downhill with a load, the operator should:

Accepted Answer

Travel in reverse with the load facing uphill

Answer

On a downhill grade with a load, the operator should travel in reverse so the load faces uphill, keeping the heavy load on the uphill side to maintain stability and prevent forward tip-over.

Question 4

How do under-inflated or worn tires affect the stability triangle?

Accepted Answer

They reduce the effective support base and increase tip-over risk

Answer

Worn or under-inflated tires compress unevenly and reduce effective contact area, shrinking the real support base and making tip-overs more likely than the design intended.

Question 5

A forklift rated at 5,000 lbs becomes unstable when:

Accepted Answer

The load causes the combined center of gravity to exit the stability triangle

Answer

Rated capacity is defined at a specific load center; real instability occurs when the combined center of gravity moves outside the stability triangle, which depends on both weight and load center distance.

CFA Practice Test

CFA Practice Test

CFA Stability Triangle & Tip-Over Prevention 2