STRUCTURE AND STABILITY OF THE LIFT TRUCK
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If a stationary object is not subjected to external force, it will remain stationary. In the same way, if a moving
object is not subjected to external force, it will continue to move at the same speed. This is called inertia.
Because of inertia, a force is applied towards the rear when the lift truck starts to move, and is applied
towards the front when the lift truck stops. If the brakes are applied suddenly, there is danger of a large force
being applied towards the front which may make the lift truck tip or the load come off the forks.
When the lift truck is turned, a centrifugal force is applied to the outside from the center of the turn. This force
pushes the lift truck to the outside and makes it tip. The range of stability to the left and right is particularly
small, so it is necessary to reduce speed when turning, in order to prevent the lift truck from tipping. If the lift
truck is traveling with a raised load, the position of the overall center of gravity is high, so the danger of
tipping to the front, left or right becomes greater.
SPEED AND ACCELERATION
Use extra care when towing a lift truck if there is a problem with any the following;
• Brakes do not operate correctly.
• Steering does not operate correctly.
• Tires are damaged.
• Traction conditions are bad.
• The lift truck must be moved on a steep grade.
If the steering pump motor does not operate, steering control of the lift truck can be slow.
This can make the control of the lift truck difficult. If there is no power, there is no power steering.
DO NOT tow the lift truck if there is no power. Poor traction can cause the disabled lift truck or towing vehicle
to slide. Steep grades will require additional brake force to stop the lift truck.
Never carry a disabled lift truck unless the lift truck MUST be moved and cannot be towed. The lift truck used
to carry the disabled lift truck MUST have a rated capacity equal to or greater than the weight of the disabled
lift truck. The capacity must be for a load center equal to half the width of the disabled lift truck. See the
nameplate of the approximate total weight. The forks must extend the full width of the disabled lift truck.
Center the weight of the disabled lift truck on the forks and be careful not to the damage the under side of
the lift truck.
How To Tow the Lift Truck:
1. The towed lift truck must have an operator.
2. Tow the lift truck slowly.
3. Raise the forks so there is ground clearance.
4. If another lift truck is used to tow the disabled lift truck, that lift truck must have an equal or larger capacity
than the disabled lift truck. Install an approximate half-capacity load on the forks of the lift truck that is
being used to tow the disabled lift truck. This half-capacity load will increase the traction of the lift truck.
Keep the load as low as possible.
5. Use a towing link made of steel that attaches to the tow pins in the counterweights of both lift trucks.
HOW TO MOVE A DISABLED LIFT TRUCK
