Lateral Stability

A forklift's lateral stability (from side to side) is determined by the line of action's position (a vertical line that passes through the combined vehicle's and load's center of gravity) relative to the stability triangle.

When the vehicle is not loaded, the truck's center of gravity location is the only factor to be considered in determining the truck's stability. As long as the line of action of the combined vehicle's and load's center of gravity falls within the stability triangle, the truck is stable and will not tip over.

Factors that affect the vehicle's lateral stability include the following:

• Load's placement on the truck
• Height of the load above the surface on which the vehicle is operating
• Vehicle's degree of lean

To learn more about Forklift Safety visit our Forklift Safety Online Training web page.