Victoria Forklift License Practice Exam

What condition can cause a forklift to tip forward?

1. Driving on a flat surface

2. Raising the load too high

3. Unevenly distributed load

4. Operating on a smooth surface

The correct answer is: Unevenly distributed load

A forklift can tip forward due to an unevenly distributed load because the forklift's center of gravity is affected by how the load is positioned. When a load is not balanced correctly or is shifted to one side, it can create an imbalance that raises the risk of tipping. This risk is exacerbated when the load is elevated, as lifting the fork increases the height from which instability can cause a forward tip. In contrast, driving on a flat surface does not typically contribute to tipping, as stability is maximized on level ground. Operating on a smooth surface also enhances stability and traction, further reducing the risk of tipping. Although raising the load too high can certainly increase the risk of instability in some situations, it is the specific circumstance of an unevenly distributed load that critically alters the forklift's center of gravity and significantly raises the potential for tipping forward.