Why is it so hard to control something that’s steered by the rear wheels?

Question

Like a car in reverse or a forklift. What makes it feel so unstable?

In: 4

Answer 1

Can agree with others. It isn’t harder and in certain circumstances offers much more control. It’s all about geometry. Steering from the front produces a wide arc that’s much safer at high speeds. But this wide arc is super limiting at slow speeds in tight spaces. A much smaller radius is needed when picking loads from a narrow alley in a warehouse. Same with parking boats, it’s much easier when steering from the rear (although larger vessels will steer from the fore and aft using bowthrusters).

Basically, it’s:

Forward Steering = Good at Speed

Rear Steering = Good for Control at Low Speed.