Guys,
Regardless of where the equipment is used.
This is a problem the world over.
Just because someone has purchased a Forklift, does not mean that it is instantly a Crane or any other piece of gear that it's owner want's it to be.
And in general, these people are the first to scream and b_tch when the thing breaks down.
Glenn, I agree with you on the point of the counter-wieght, the actual counter-wieght itself is only for the forklift and it's designed working capacity.
The actual working area of a Forklift is the same as an Isoceles Triangle, go outside of that and you are in the tip-over region.