Which factor can contribute to tipping sideways when the load is not evenly distributed?

• A. Overheating motor
• B. Correct load height
• C. Wind affecting balance
• D. Uneven load

Answer: (D)

Uneven load shifts the forklift’s center of gravity toward the heavier side. Stability relies on the combined center of gravity staying inside the wheels’ base (the stability area). When weight is not distributed evenly, that center moves sideways, reducing the margin on that side and making sideways tipping more likely, especially when turning, braking hard, or traveling on uneven ground. To prevent this, keep loads centered on the forks and distributed evenly side to side, keep the load as low as possible, and tilt the mast back slightly to lock the load in. External factors like wind or motor heat don’t address the root cause of sideways tipping, and load height affects forward/backward tipping more than lateral tipping due to load distribution.