What causes the center of balance to shift on a forklift?

• A. The weather
• B. The time of day
• C. The load moves, causing the center of balance to shift
• D. The operator's color of clothes

Answer: (C)

Center of gravity on a forklift isn’t fixed; it moves whenever the weight distribution changes. The forklift will be most stable when the center of gravity stays within the stability area formed by the wheels and the load on the forks. When the load moves, the weight shifts in the direction of that movement, so the center of gravity shifts as well. If this shift takes the center of gravity outside the stability area, the forklift can tip. Weather, time of day, or the operator’s clothing don’t alter weight distribution, so they don’t cause the center of balance to shift. The direct cause is the load moving, which changes how heavy the front and back (and sides) are at any moment.