When moving a forklift with or without a load, what is a 'safe' height to carry the load at?

• A. As high as possible
• B. At knee height
• C. Below shoulder height
• D. At axle height or as low as possible

Answer: (D)

Keeping the load as low as possible while moving is about stability. The forklift’s stability depends on the center of gravity relative to its wheelbase. When the load is raised, the center of gravity climbs, increasing the tipping moment during acceleration, turning, or braking. Therefore, carrying the load at the lowest practical height minimizes this risk. The best practice is to travel with the forks at axle height or lower, which keeps the weight close to the ground and near the wheels, reducing the chance of a tip-over and helping with visibility. Higher heights raise the tipping risk and worsen visibility, while knee or shoulder height is not as stable as the axle-height guideline. So, the safe choice is at axle height or as low as possible.