Where on a forklift should your center of gravity be located?

The center of gravity on a forklift should ideally be positioned opposite the pivot point from the load. This positioning is crucial for maintaining stability during operation. When the load is lifted, it creates a moment that can cause the forklift to tip over if the center of gravity moves outside of the stability triangle defined by the forklift's wheelbases. By keeping the center of gravity opposite the pivot point from the load, the design ensures that the weight distribution remains balanced, reducing the risk of accidents and improving safe operation. This principle is foundational in the safe handling of loads and is critical for operators to understand to prevent tipping hazards.

The other positions listed do not support safe operation; for instance, having the center of gravity at the operator's position or near the load being lifted can lead to insufficient stability, while positioning it at the front of the forklift could compromise balance during maneuvers.