TCM FB10-7 - Page 20

B ACCELERATING, DECELERATING AND
TURNING
The principle of inertia provides that a stationary object will remain
stationary as long as there is no external force acting on it, and
that a moving object will continue moving at a constant speed as
long as there is no external force acting on it.
Due to inertia, when the lift truck starts to move there is a momentary
backward force, and when it stops there is a momentary forward
force. As a result, if the brakes are applied suddenly, there is a
very strong hazard that the forward force will become strong enough
for the truck to tip forward.
Likewise, when the truck is turning there is a centrifugal force that
pulls it outward from the turning center. This force can cause the
truck to fall sideways. Since the zone of lateral stability is especially
narrow, it is necessary to slow down substantially when turning in
order to prevent the truck from tipping.
When the load is elevated the overall center of gravity is raised,
increasing the danger of the truck tipping over to the front or side.
HOW THE LIFT TRUCK WORKS?