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Stability practice questions

24 questions from the forklift operator practice test.

Stability practice test

10 questions, graded as you go, with the reason for every answer. No sign-up.

What this covers

Sample questions

A counterbalanced forklift balances like a seesaw. Where is the fulcrum?

  1. At the rear (steer) axle
  2. At the front (drive) axle
  3. At the mast hinge pins
  4. At the middle of the wheelbase
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B. At the front (drive) axle

The front axle is the pivot: the load sits ahead of it and the truck's weight sits behind it. If the load's turning effect about the front axle is greater than the truck's, the rear wheels lift.

Reference: 29 CFR 1910.178 Appendix A (stability of powered industrial trucks)

What happens to the combined center of gravity as a loaded fork carriage is raised?

  1. It drops, and the truck becomes more stable
  2. It moves rearward toward the steer axle
  3. It rises, and the truck becomes less stable
  4. It stays put, because the weight is unchanged
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C. It rises, and the truck becomes less stable

Raising the load raises the combined center of gravity. A higher center of gravity moves farther sideways or forward for the same tilt, slope or turning force, so the truck is easier to tip. The weight is the same but its position is not.

Reference: 29 CFR 1910.178 Appendix A (stability of powered industrial trucks)

The mast is tilted forward while a load is raised high. Which way does the combined center of gravity move?

  1. Rearward, toward the steer axle
  2. Sideways, toward the outside drive wheel
  3. Downward, toward the floor surface
  4. Forward, toward the front axle line
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D. Forward, toward the front axle line

Forward tilt swings the raised load out ahead of the truck, moving the combined center of gravity toward the front edge of the triangle and cutting forward (longitudinal) stability. The higher the load, the farther it moves for each degree of tilt.

Reference: 29 CFR 1910.178 Appendix A (stability of powered industrial trucks)

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