Stability and Center of Gravity
The center of gravity (CG) of any object is
the single point about which the object is
balanced in all directions.
Every object has a CG. When the lift truck
picks up a load, the truck and load have a
new combined CG.
A. CG LOAD B. CG TRUCK C. COMBINED CG
The stability of the lift truck is determined by the location of
its CG, or if the truck is loaded, the combined CG.
The lift truck has moving parts and therefore has a CG that
moves. The CG moves forward and back as the mast is tilted
forward and back. The CG moves up and down as the mast
moves up and down.
A. CG LOAD B. COMBINED CG C. CG TRUCK
The center of gravity, and therefore the stability of the loaded
lift truck, is affected by a number of factors such as size,
weight, shape, and position of the load; the height to which
the load is raised; the amount of forward and backward tilt;
tire pressure and the dynamic forces created when the truck
is moving. These dynamic forces are caused by things like
acceleration, braking, turning, and operating on uneven sur-
faces or on an incline. These factors must be considered
when traveling with an unloaded truck, as well, because an
Operating Procedures
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