Most forklift overturns happen when the combined centre of gravity of the truck and its load moves outside the machine’s stability triangle — the area formed between the front wheels and the rear axle pivot.
What moves the centre of gravity
- Raised loads: the higher the load, the less sideways stability the truck has.
- Load centre: a load further forward than the rated load centre reduces capacity.
- Turning and braking: sudden movements throw weight outwards or forwards.
- Slopes: travelling across a gradient shifts weight towards the low side.
Simple rules that keep the truck upright
Travel with the load low and tilted back, slow down before turning, never turn on a slope, and check the capacity plate for the actual load centre and lift height.
If the truck starts to tip, stay in the seat, hold on and lean away from the fall — and always wear the seatbelt.
