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TELEHANDLER STABILITY (Part 2)

GRAVI-T ZERO

Created on February 7, 2026

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Transcript

TELEHANDLER STABILITY (Part 2)

Start

Why do telescopic mast forklifts tip over?

There are many situations that can lead to a forklift overturning; very often, the stability of the forklift has been compromised by poor operation combined with a misunderstanding of the basic principles of forklift stability.

Performing maneuvers with the forks raised poses an imminent overturn risk.

Source: WorkSafe BC

Why do telescopic mast forklifts tip over?

In your opinion, what happened?

The operator misjudged their load.

The operator misjudged their environment.

The operator was driving with the forks raised.

The tire pressure was not adequate.

Causes of the accident

  • Driving with the mast raised
  • Poor ground assessment

When a vehicle takes a high-speed turn, it experiences a centrifugal force, a force that pushes it toward the side opposite the turn.

The lower the center of gravity of the object, the more stable the vehicle will be.

For example, a Formula 1 car can withstand large centrifugal forces because its center of gravity is very low.

Unlike trucks or F1, the main feature of a forklift is to be able to... lift a load.

Also, by raising the forks, the center of gravity of the forklift also rises.

stability pyramid

By putting all these triangles together, we notice that the stability triangle can rather be seen as a stability pyramid.

stability pyramid

When the forks are raised, careful driving is required.

Remember: When the forklift forks are raised, the stability of the forklift decreases.

With a telescopic load, the combined center of gravity shifts forward.

If the forklift is at the limit of its stability, avoid lowering the mast.

stability pyramid

Depending on the load weight, lifting loaded forks will affect the forklift's stability.

Lowering the mast and then raising it helps keep the center of gravity within the stability pyramid limits.

Ensure the stability of the forklift and its load

To achieve the best load stability when moving with the forklift and to ensure better stability of the forklift, depending on the terrain condition, the forks should be kept as low as possible.

Depending on the type of load, slightly tilting the forks backward will increase its stability.

Ensure the stability of the forklift and its load

Avoid driving with the arrow raised.

Stability and Elevation

Learning Activity

True or False?

The stability triangle decreases as the forks rise.

True or False?

Driving with a load on the raised forks presents a risk of imminent overturning.

True or False?

A forklift can be leveled when the forks are raised.

End of the lesson

Key elements to remember

  • The stability triangle is a stability pyramid.
  • The stability of the forklift is more compromised when its mast is raised.
  • If the forklift is at the limit of its stability, avoid lowering the mast.
  • Avoid driving with the boom raised.

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