Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Amongst the key basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into account the center of gravity and the stability triangle. Among the most complicated things for a lift truck operator to judge is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity within their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
A forklift has a 3-point suspension system. The stability triangle is formed when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator must ensure that the center of gravity, that is created, together with his load and the equipment itself, remains within the stability triangle to be able to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How do you define the center of gravity? When in regards to using a lift truck, we have to be concerned not only with the center of gravity of the load being lifted but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the load that is being picked up as well as the lift truck itself.
The center of gravity of the load is defined as the load center. The load center could be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, such as a bale. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for example, will have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is really common for many smaller capacity lift trucks. However, if a load is not properly centered, such as with non-symmetrical items, perhaps an engine for example, then great care and caution need to be taken in order to gauge the center of gravity.
The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, that shifts each time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care needs to be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity within the forklift's stability triangle. This occurs by following the numbers and not carrying more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center has to be considered. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center shifts forward also.
The operator and everyone else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, can stay a lot safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This would ensure a balanced machinery, balanced loads and safer for everyone.