In the video above the Hercules balance is the same on the staircase as it is on the ground!  On a full staircase operator has plenty of room to stand in a comfortable position with the Hercules Stairclimber in front of him. The weight on the Hercules is distributed perfectly. The balance point goes directly through the center of the load with the fulcrum point down at the lifting feet. On a short heavy loads like a safe you can achieve the same perfect balance by raising the load up on the forks. Again your center of gravity goes directly through the load with your fulcrum point down at the lifting feet.