What risk increases when operating without proper ballast during a lift?

• A. Increased tipping and instability.
• B. Increased fuel efficiency.
• C. Decreased stopping distance.
• D. None of the above.

Answer: (A)

Ballast acts as the counterweight that keeps the loader stable when you lift. Without proper ballast, the weight in the bucket shifts the center of gravity forward, making the front end want to rise and the machine more prone to tipping or losing stability. This risk is especially high when the boom is raised, the load is heavy, or you’re on uneven ground or a slope. Proper ballast keeps weight on the rear axle, improves traction, and resists the lifting forces, reducing the chance of tipping. The other options don’t describe this stability risk, and “none of the above” isn’t correct because tipping and instability do increase without ballast.