What Stops Forklifts from Tipping Over?

Forklift trucks are impressive pieces of equipment – usually compact vehicles have a fairly restricted weight lifting capability.

But forklifts seem to be able to handle ever increasing loads with ease and stability.

Unfortunately, the truth is that forklifts often do tip over, whether it’s a split second when the rear tyres lift from the floor, or the operative gets themselves into a position that means they lose control of the vehicle. This can be avoided with a real, working knowledge of the basic safety restraints and load limits of a forklift.

The most important rule to remember is that for a forklift to remain stable, the centre of gravity of the truck must remain within the wheelbase. 

Every forklift should have a load rating chart, which will show where exactly on the forks you should place the load, and will explain the maximum loading weight. If the load is placed closer to the front tyres, where the canter of gravity – or the fulcrum – is, the less likely it will become unbalanced and tip up. So, the further along the forks you go, the lower the weight the truck will be able to handle.

Forklift stablity

This is because, whether you lift the load with the tips or base of the forklift forks, the hydraulics will apply the exact same amount of force to lift the load.

For example, this is the same as sitting on a see-saw. The further the away from the centre you sit, the more you will move up and down.

This means that a forklift truck with a maximum load of 10,000 lbs might change to a maximum load of 2,000 lbs if the load is balanced on the end of the forks, as it will be able to handle less weight the further it gets from the centre.

Similarly, lifting the load to certain heights will have a similar effect, as the lift will also take the load away from the centre of gravity. So if a load has to lifted to the top of the reaching ability of the truck, the maximum load might change from 10,000lbs to 2,000 lbs.

Some Forklifts have zero turning radius

Another problem relating to the height of the load is that even if you manage to balance the load at a height, if you make a sharp turn, the load could still become unstable and tip. Forklifts can turn around in very restricted spaces – some have zero turning radius – and with speeds reaching as much as 35mph, it can be very easy to offset the centre of gravity and to tip the truck whilst moving with a high load. So it’s best to keep the load low whilst moving and only lift it when the vehicle is stationary.

Generally, the stability of the truck is almost wholly dependent on the ability and knowledge of the operative, so to keep the truck upright, professional forklift training is essential. Without a proper working knowledge, the truck can easily become unbalanced and tip, risking the life of the operative and anyone working close by.

For more information about keeping your workers safe and your trucks upright, simply contact the professional team at Health and Safety Training Ltd. We can provide full training that will give your operatives all the skills they need.