Forklift certification Certification Forklift certification Load Handling and Stability 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An off-center or unbalanced load affects stability by doing what?
- Shifting the center of gravity toward one side, reducing lateral stability (Correct answer)
- Increasing rated capacity
- Improving braking distance
- Having no measurable effect
Correct answer: Shifting the center of gravity toward one side, reducing lateral stability
An unevenly distributed load moves the center of gravity sideways, making a tip-over more likely.
Question 2: Before lifting a load, why should you check that the forks are spread as wide as the load allows?
- To distribute weight evenly and improve load stability (Correct answer)
- To make the truck lighter
- To speed up the lift cylinder
- To reduce hydraulic pressure
Correct answer: To distribute weight evenly and improve load stability
Wider fork spacing supports the load more evenly and reduces the chance of it tipping or shifting.
Question 3: What should you do if a load is too heavy for the forklift's rated capacity?
- Do not lift it; use a truck rated for the load or split the load (Correct answer)
- Lift it slowly at full mast height
- Add extra counterweight yourself
- Lift it with the forks tilted forward
Correct answer: Do not lift it; use a truck rated for the load or split the load
Never exceed rated capacity; use an appropriate truck or break the load into smaller pieces.
Question 4: How does traveling with the load raised high (rather than low) affect tip-over risk?
- It greatly increases tip-over risk (Correct answer)
- It decreases tip-over risk
- It has no effect on tipping
- It only matters when parked
Correct answer: It greatly increases tip-over risk
A raised load raises the center of gravity and dramatically increases the risk of tipping.
Question 5: When a load blocks your forward view, what is the correct action?
- Travel in reverse or use a spotter (Correct answer)
- Travel faster to get there sooner
- Tilt the load forward to see over it
- Raise the load above eye level
Correct answer: Travel in reverse or use a spotter
If the load obstructs the view, operate in reverse (except up ramps) or use a signal person.
Question 6: What is the effect of sudden acceleration or hard braking while carrying a load?
- It shifts the center of gravity and can cause the load to fall or the truck to tip (Correct answer)
- It improves load stability
- It has no effect on the load
- It only affects the tires
Correct answer: It shifts the center of gravity and can cause the load to fall or the truck to tip
Abrupt speed changes create dynamic forces that can destabilize the load or the truck.
Question 7: The combined center of gravity of a loaded forklift moves in which direction as the load weight increases?
- Forward, toward the front wheels (Correct answer)
- Backward, toward the counterweight
- Straight up only
- It does not move
Correct answer: Forward, toward the front wheels
Adding load weight pulls the combined center of gravity forward toward the drive wheels and load.
