42
Caution
Speed and
acceleration
A stationary object will remain stationary unless an external force acts on it. Similarly, in the
absence of an external force, a moving object will continue moving at the same speed. This is
inertia.
Due to inertia, a rearward force is exerted when the forklift starts moving, and a forward force
is exerted when the forklift stops moving.
Sudden braking is dangerous because it generates a large forward force that will cause the
forklift to tip over, or the load to slide off.
When the forklift turns a corner, a centrifugal force is exerted outward from the centre of the
turn. This force pushes the forklift outward and makes it tip sideways.
The truck has narrow lateral stability, so cornering must be performed slowly to prevent the forklift
from tipping sideways. If the forklift is handling an elevated load, the overall centre of gravity is
higher and therefore the forklift is more prone to forward or lateral tipover.