Forklift Stability and the Stability Triangle Flashcards

An operator is transporting a load and needs to turn a corner. What is the safest action regarding load height and speed?

Answer: Lower the load to travel height and reduce speed before entering the turn

Lowering the load to travel height and reducing speed before turning minimises the combined centre of gravity height and reduces centrifugal forces, keeping the centre of gravity well within the stability triangle.

What is the correct mast tilt position when travelling with a loaded forklift on level ground?

Answer: Mast tilted slightly back to secure the load against the backrest

Tilting the mast slightly back when travelling secures the load against the load backrest extension, preventing it from sliding forward and maintaining stability.

A forklift operator notices that the rear wheels are lifting off the ground during operation. What does this indicate?

Answer: The combined centre of gravity has moved in front of the front axle, indicating a forward tip-over risk

Rear wheels lifting off the ground means the combined centre of gravity has passed the front axle (fulcrum), and the forklift is on the verge of tipping forward — the operator must immediately lower the load.

Why should a forklift always carry loads as low as safely possible during travel?

Answer: To lower the combined centre of gravity and maximise stability within the stability triangle

Carrying loads as low as possible during travel lowers the combined centre of gravity, keeping it well within the stability triangle and significantly reducing the risk of tip-over.

What is the effect of driving a loaded forklift down a ramp with the load leading (forks facing downhill)?

Answer: It causes the combined centre of gravity to shift severely forward, greatly increasing forward tip-over risk

Driving down a ramp with the load leading causes the combined centre of gravity to shift significantly forward due to both the slope and the load position, creating a high risk of the forklift tipping forward over the front axle.

Which of the following actions would MOST improve forklift stability when operating on a slope?

Answer: Travelling with the heavy end (load or counterweight) facing uphill

Travelling with the heavy end facing uphill keeps the combined centre of gravity toward the uphill side of the stability triangle, reducing the risk of the forklift tipping forward or backward on the slope.

An operator picks up a load and finds the forklift feels very unstable and the rear begins to lift. What is the FIRST action they should take?

Answer: Immediately lower the load to the ground without moving forward

Immediately lowering the load to the ground is the correct first action because it brings the combined centre of gravity back within the stability triangle, restoring stability before any further movement.