What are the two main centers of balance for a rough terrain forklift?

• A. Driver and Load
• B. Forklift and Load
• C. Center of gravity and Load
• D. Forklift and Operator

Answer: (B)

On rough terrain, stability comes from where the entire system’s weight sits relative to the wheelbase. The two centers you must consider are the forklift’s own center of gravity and the load’s center of gravity. The forklift’s CG shifts with its weight distribution and any attachments, while the load’s CG depends on its size, shape, and how it’s placed on the forks or raised. The overall center of gravity of forklift plus load determines tipping risk, especially when you’re on uneven ground or climbing over bumps. Keeping the load low, centered, and within capacity helps keep the combined CG within the safe base. The other options don’t reflect the two components that define the system’s balance for stability: the forklift itself and the load.