Basic Information
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C3M2-OM-EN-02
For the truck to remain stable both laterally and longitudinally, the combined centre of
gravity of the truck and the load must stay within an area known as the stability triangle.
To visualise the stability triangle, imagine three lines connecting each of the trucks
three wheels. The area inside these three lines forms the stability triangle. If the
combined centre of gravity moves outside the boundary of the stability triangle the
truck will tip over.
The diagram below illustrates the truck with the stability triangle represented by the
hatched area and a uniform load weighing less than the maximum rated capacity
resting on the forks. In this case the combined centre of gravity lies inside the boundary
of the stability triangle, therefore the truck and load will remain stable.
If a balanced uniform load greater than the maximum rated capacity is lifted on the
forks the combined centre of gravity will move outside the front boundary of the stability
triangle. In this case the truck and load will be unstable and a frontal tip-over is likely
to occur.
If an unbalanced load is lifted on the forks such that the combined centre of gravity
moves outside the left or right boundary of the stability triangle, the truck and load will
be unstable and a tip-over to the left or right hand side is likely to occur.
Other factors that influence the stability of the truck to a lesser degree include
sudden acceleration, harsh braking, driving on sloped or uneven terrain, or turning
with elevated loads. Any of these factors alone or in combination can result in the
combined centre of gravity moving outside the boundary of the stability triangle thus
causing the truck to tip over.
Truck and Load combined
Centre of Gravit
Truck Centre
Of Gravity
Load
Centre of
Gravity
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