How should you position forks when not lifting a load?

• A. Keep forks lowered and as close to the floor as possible (about 4–6 inches off the ground) and fully lower when parked.
• B. Raise forks to maximum height to clear obstacles.
• C. Leave forks in mid-air when parked.
• D. Store forks inverted.

Answer: (A)

When you’re not lifting a load, keep the forks down and as close to the floor as possible. Keeping the forks low lowers the forklift’s center of gravity, which helps prevent tipping if the machine is bumped or if the load shifts. It also reduces the chance of catching on pallets, doors, or pedestrians and improves visibility for the operator. When the forklift is parked, fully lowering the forks keeps them out of the way and minimizes the risk of damage or accidental movement.

Raising the forks to clear obstacles, leaving them mid-air, or storing them inverted all create safety hazards: a higher center of gravity increases tipping risk, forks left elevated can strike people or objects or fail if something shifts, and inverted storage isn’t a standard, safe practice for parking. Staying with the low, downhill position when not lifting is the dependable safety rule.