HOW TO AVOID A TIPOVER / HOW TO SURVIVE ONE

 HOW TO AVOID A TIPOVER / HOW TO SURVIVE ONE

Know What Lift Truck Stability Is
Counterbalanced lift truck design is based on the balance of
two weights on opposite sides of a fulcrum (the front axle).
The load on the forks must be balanced by the weight of the
lift truck. The location of the center of gravity of both the lift
truck and the load is also a factor.
This basic principle is used for picking up a load. The ability
of the lift truck to handle a load is discussed in terms of
center of gravity and both forward and sideways stabilities.

F00062

Center of Gravity (CG)

Center of Gravity (CG) is defined as the point of an object
where its weight is evenly distributed.
If the object is uniform, its geometric center will be the same
as its CG. If it is not uniform, the CG could be a point on
either side of the normal geometric center.
When the lift truck picks up a load, the lift truck and load
have a new, combined CG.
1
F00063
1. CG

 Stability and Center of Gravity (Top View)

The stability of the lift truck is determined by the location of
its CG, or if the lift truck is loaded, the combined CG. 1 2 3
The lift truck has moving parts and, therefore, has a CG that
moves. The CG moves forward or backward as the mast is
tilted FORWARD or BACKWARD. The CG moves up or down
as the mast moves up or down.

F00088
1. CG truck 3. CG load
2. Combined CG

The CG and the stability of the loaded lift truck are affected by the following factors:

- The size, weight, shape, and position of the load. - Dynamic forces created when the lift truck accelerates,
- The height of the lifted load. brakes, or turns.
- The angle of forward or backward tilt. - Condition and grade of surfaces on which the lift truck
is operated.

3-1
HOW TO AVOID A TIPOVER / HOW TO SURVIVE ONE

These factors must be considered when the lift truck is

unloaded as well. Because an empty lift truck will tipover CG load
1
more easily than a lift truck carrying a load in the lowered
position.

2
3

F00089
1. CG Load 3. CG truck
2. Combined CG

Lift Truck Stability Base

In order for the lift truck to be stable (not tip over FORWARD
or to the side), the CG must stay within the area of the lift
1
truck stability base triangle drawn between the front wheels
and the pivot of the rear axle.
If the CG moves forward of the front axle, the lift truck will
tip over FORWARD.
If the CG moves outside of the line on either side of the
stability base, the lift truck will tipover to the side.

2 F00090
1. Combined CG 2. Stability base

 Capacity (Weight and Load Center)

The capacity of the lift truck is shown on the capacity plate.
It is determined by the weight and load center. The load
center is determined by the location of the CG of the load.
The load center shown on the capacity plate is the
horizontal distance from the front face of the forks, or the
load face of an attachment, to the CG in the load. The
location of the CG of the vertical direction is the same as the
horizontal dimension.

F00067

Keep in mind that, unless otherwise indicated, the capacity shown on the capacity plate is for a standard lift truck with standard
load backrest extension, forks, mast, and having no special-purpose attachment. In addition, the capacity presumes the load
center is no further from the top of the forks than it is from the face of the load backrest extension.
If these conditions do not exist, the operator may have to reduce the safe operating load because the lift truck stability may be
reduced. The lift truck should not be operated if its capacity plate does not indicate capacity.

3-2
 HOW TO AVOID A TIPOVER / HOW TO SURVIVE ONE
 Capacity Plate
 Sample
The capacity plate shown above is for a 13.5 ton (30000 lb)
model standard lift truck whose capacity is 13500 kg (30000
lb) at 600 mm (23.62 in.) load center.
The plate specifies this lift truck can lift up to 13.5 ton (30000 DP135NM1
lb) if the load center is not more than 600 mm (23.62 in.) 3300
forward from the face of the lift bracket. 130

Before attempting to pick up or lift a load, make sure its 600 24 13500 30000
17980 39645
weight is within the capacity of the lift truck at the load
center involved.
Note: If the load is not uniform, the heaviest portion should F00527
be placed closer to the lift bracket and centered on
the forks.

3-3
HOW TO AVOID A TIPOVER / HOW TO SURVIVE ONE
Do’s and Dont’s to Avoid Tipover

R DANGER
FASTEN THE SEAT BELT!
The seat belt will keep you from being thrown out of the lift
truck in a tipover. The seat belt is used to protect your head
and torso from being trapped between the lift truck and the
ground. However, it may not protect the operator against all
possible injury.
- Fasten the seat belt.
- DO NOT jump off.
- Brace your feet.
F00134A
- Firmly hold on to the steering wheel.
- Lean away from impact.
- Lean forward.

R DANGER
DO NOT jump off your lift truck if it starts to tipover!
The operator must stay in the operator seat, hold on firmly
and lean away from the point of impact to reduce the risk of
serious injury or death.

F00142

R WARNING
DO NOT overload!
DO handle loads only within the capacity shown on the
capacity plate.

F00081

R WARNING
DO watch “tail swing!”
Always maintain a safe distance from the edge of docks,
ramps, and platforms. The lift truck may drop off the edge if
you get too close to the edge.

F00083A

3-4
 HOW TO AVOID A TIPOVER / HOW TO SURVIVE ONE

R WARNING
DO check surface strengths!
Stay away from soft ground to avoid tipover.

F00085A

R WARNING
DO avoid fast starts, turns, and sudden stops!
These movements could cause the lift truck to tipover.

F00073A

R WARNING
DO NOT cross over slope, and DO NOT turn on grades!
Avoid turning on grades, and use extreme caution on
grades, ramps, or inclines.

D00790

R WARNING
DO NOT tilt elevated loads FORWARD!
DO NOT tilt elevated loads forward except when the load is
in a deposit position over a rack or stack. This could cause
the lift truck to tipover.

F00079A

3-5
HOW TO AVOID A TIPOVER / HOW TO SURVIVE ONE

R WARNING
DO NOT elevate FORWARD titled loads!
This could also cause the lift truck to tipover.

F00080A

R WARNING
Travel at a reduced speed on rough surfaces!
If not, the following accidents could result:
- The lift truck may tipover.
- Hard to turn the steering wheel appropriately, leading
to incorrect operation.
- Personnel is hit by the lift truck.

F00084

R WARNING
DO NOT pick up or place a load on grades!
DO NOT attempt to pick up or place a load on grades that
could affect the lift truck's stability.

F00076

R WARNING
DO avoid slippery surfaces!
Slow down for wet and slippery surfaces.
Sand, gravel, ice, or mud could cause a tipover. If
unavoidable, slow down.

F00086A

3-6
 HOW TO AVOID A TIPOVER / HOW TO SURVIVE ONE

R WARNING
Avoid off-center loading!
Only stable or safely arranged loads must be handled!
- Keep the center of gravity low and avoid off-center
loading. Off-center loads may cause tipover or falling
loads.
- Slowly operate the lift truck when picking up or placing
a long or wide load, or when turning with such load.

F00077

R WARNING
DO NOT run over objects!
DO NOT run over loose objects.

F00082A

R WARNING
DO NOT travel with forks higher than 15 to 20 cm
(5.91 to 7.87 in.) above the ground!
The CG moves up increasing the possibility of a tipover.

F00078A

R WARNING
DO NOT make fast or sharp turns with a loaded or
unloaded lift truck!
When making turns, reduce speed to a safe level consistent
with the operating environment.

F00071

3-7
HOW TO AVOID A TIPOVER / HOW TO SURVIVE ONE

R WARNING
DO NOT turn sharply, even with an empty raised
mast, to avoid a tipover!
A lift truck with a raised mast will tipover more easily than a
lift truck with a lowered mast because the stability of the lift
truck worsens.

F00072A

R WARNING
Wear a hard hat if recommended or required by your
employer or applicable regulations.

F00074

R WARNING
Be aware of the stability of an empty lift truck!
An empty lift truck will tipover more easily than a loaded
one in a lowered position.

D00313

3-8
 HOW TO AVOID A TIPOVER / HOW TO SURVIVE ONE
 How to Survive in a Tipover

R DANGER
DO FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELT!
Remember, your chances for survival with the seat belt
fastened in a tipover are better if you stay in the lift truck.

F00087A

R DANGER
IF YOUR LIFT TRUCK STARTS TO TIPOVER: 1 2
1. DO NOT jump off.
2. Firmly hold on to the steering wheel.
3. Brace your feet.
4. Lean away from impact.
5. Lean forward. 3 4 5

F00158

3-9