Whether loaded or not, the mast should be tilted slightly back at a height of approx. 2-3 inches at the heels, and 4-6 inches at the tips. Hence, slightly tilted back prior to movement. This will ensure that the forks are low enough to the ground w/o the forks/pallet rubbing the ground, and ensure that if someone is struck by the tips, damage, athough painful, would be minimal.