Forklift certification Certification Forklift Instructions 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What causes most forklift tip-overs?
- Turning too sharply or too fast (Correct answer)
- Driving in a straight line
- Parking on level ground
- Lowering the forks slowly
Correct answer: Turning too sharply or too fast
Sharp, fast turns shift the center of gravity outside the stability triangle, causing tip-overs.
Question 2: In a lateral tip-over, the operator should:
- Jump clear of the forklift
- Stay in the seat, hold on, and lean away (Correct answer)
- Stand up quickly
- Grab the mast
Correct answer: Stay in the seat, hold on, and lean away
Staying belted and leaning away from the fall keeps the operator inside the protective cage.
Question 3: The 'stability triangle' refers to:
- The shape of the load
- The three points supporting forklift balance (Correct answer)
- A warning sign
- The fork spacing
Correct answer: The three points supporting forklift balance
The stability triangle connects the two front wheels and the rear axle pivot point.
Question 4: Adding a heavier load to the forks moves the combined center of gravity:
- Toward the rear
- Forward, toward the front axle (Correct answer)
- Straight up only
- It doesn't change
Correct answer: Forward, toward the front axle
A heavier or extended load shifts the center of gravity forward, risking forward tip-over.
Question 5: An unloaded forklift is most likely to tip:
- Forward
- Backward or sideways (Correct answer)
- It cannot tip
- Only downhill
Correct answer: Backward or sideways
Without a counterbalancing load, an empty forklift is more prone to rearward and lateral tip-overs.
Question 6: Traveling with the forks raised high is dangerous because it:
- Saves fuel
- Raises the center of gravity and reduces stability (Correct answer)
- Improves braking
- Helps visibility
Correct answer: Raises the center of gravity and reduces stability
High forks raise the center of gravity, making the forklift easier to tip.
Question 7: Uneven or soft ground increases tip-over risk because it can:
- Improve traction
- Cause the truck to lean or a wheel to sink (Correct answer)
- Slow the engine
- Charge the battery
Correct answer: Cause the truck to lean or a wheel to sink
Soft or uneven surfaces let a wheel sink or lean, shifting balance outside the stability triangle.
Forklift certification Certification Forklift Instructions 3
What causes most forklift tip-overs?