TLILIC0003 Forklift Stability and the Stability Triangle 2

Question 1

How does raising a load to a greater height affect forklift stability?

Accepted Answer

It reduces stability by raising the combined centre of gravity and increasing tip-over risk

Answer

It improves stability by raising the centre of gravity above obstacles

Answer

It has no effect on stability provided the load is within the rated capacity

Answer

It only affects stability if the load exceeds 500 kg

Question 2

What effect does cornering at excessive speed have on a forklift's lateral stability?

Accepted Answer

It increases dynamic forces, shifting the combined centre of gravity outward and increasing tip-over risk

Answer

No effect — forklifts are designed to corner safely at any speed

Answer

It reduces wear on the tyres and improves grip

Answer

It causes only the load to shift, not the forklift itself

Question 3

How does operating on an uneven or sloped surface affect forklift stability?

Accepted Answer

It shifts the effective stability triangle and can cause tipping even with a correctly loaded forklift

Answer

It has no effect if the load is carried low

Answer

It only affects stability when the load exceeds the rated capacity

Answer

Slopes improve stability by lowering the rear of the forklift

Question 4

What effect does under-inflation of forklift tyres have on stability?

Accepted Answer

It can cause uneven load bearing, reducing stability and causing premature tyre failure

Answer

It improves cushioning and increases stability on rough surfaces

Answer

It has no effect on stability as long as the tyres are not flat

Answer

It only affects steering, not stability

Question 5

When carrying an asymmetric or off-centre load, what stability risk is increased?

Accepted Answer

Lateral (sideways) tip-over risk, as the combined centre of gravity shifts to one side

Answer

Longitudinal (forward/backward) tip-over risk only

Answer

The risk of the mast collapsing under uneven stress

Answer

No additional risk, provided the total weight is within rated capacity

Question 6

Which condition MOST significantly reduces the stability of a forklift travelling with a raised load?

Accepted Answer

Travelling over a small raised edge such as a door threshold

Answer

Travelling slowly in a straight line on a flat, smooth floor

Answer

Having the mast tilted fully back while the load is at travel height

Answer

Operating in a well-lit, dry warehouse environment

Question 7

Why does adding an attachment (such as a side-shifter or extension) to a forklift reduce its rated capacity?

Accepted Answer

The weight and extended load centre of the attachment moves the combined centre of gravity forward, reducing stability and capacity

Answer

Attachments increase the hydraulic pressure required, weakening the mast

Answer

Attachments are not permitted in Australia and always void the rated capacity entirely

Answer

Attachments only reduce capacity if they weigh more than 50 kg