1.5 The Principles of Counterbalance
A reach stacker (like the seesaw or any counterbalanced equipment) has a balance
point or fulcrum. The fulcrum for the longitudinal (forward and rearward) axis of the
machine is the centerline of the front tires. The principles of counterbalance can be
explained as follows.
The weight of the portion of the reach stacker located rearward of the front tire
centerline, Figure 1, represents the weight of one child located at distance “D” from the
fulcrum, Figure 2. The weight of the boom attachment, and the load itself, Figure 1,
represent the weight of the children, Figure 2, located at distance “d” from the fulcrum.