Komatsu AX20 Operation & Maintenance Manual page 58

15. STRUCTURE AND STABILITY OF THE LIFT TRUCK
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.
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SPEED AND ACCELERATION