Forklift Stability and the Stability Triangle Flashcards

What is the 'stability triangle' on a standard counterbalanced forklift?

Answer: The three-point suspension formed by the two front wheels and the rear axle pivot point

The stability triangle is the three-point support system created by the two front drive wheels and the single pivot point of the rear steering axle, defining the area within which the forklift's combined centre of gravity must remain.

On a counterbalanced forklift, where is the fulcrum point located?

Answer: At the front axle between the two drive wheels

The fulcrum point is at the front axle (between the two drive wheels), and it is the pivot point over which the forklift can tip forward if the combined centre of gravity moves in front of it.

What happens if the combined centre of gravity moves outside the stability triangle?

Answer: The forklift will tip over in the direction the centre of gravity has moved

If the combined centre of gravity moves outside the stability triangle, the forklift will tip over in that direction because there is no longer a support point to counteract the overturning force.

What is the 'combined centre of gravity' on a forklift?

Answer: The single point representing the combined weight distribution of both the forklift and its load

The combined centre of gravity is the single resultant point that represents the combined weight distribution of the forklift and the load it is carrying, and it must remain within the stability triangle for safe operation.

Which type of stability refers to the risk of a forklift tipping sideways?

Answer: Lateral stability

Lateral stability refers to the resistance to sideways tipping, which is primarily affected by the width of the rear axle, cornering speed, uneven surfaces, and off-centre loading.

Which factor directly reduces a forklift's longitudinal (forward/backward) stability?

Answer: Raising the load to a greater height while stationary

Raising the load to a greater height shifts the combined centre of gravity upward and forward, moving it closer to or beyond the fulcrum point and reducing longitudinal stability.

What is the primary purpose of the counterweight on a counterbalanced forklift?

Answer: To offset the weight of the load being carried and keep the combined centre of gravity within the stability triangle

The counterweight is positioned at the rear of the forklift to offset the weight of the load on the forks, preventing the forklift from tipping forward and keeping the combined centre of gravity within the stability triangle.