Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Among the important basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into consideration the stability triangle and the center of gravity. Among the most complicated things for an operator of a lift truck to determine is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity in 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, along with the machine and his load, remains in the stability triangle in order to guard against the forklift losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How do you define the center of gravity? When in regards to utilizing a lift truck, we should be concerned not only with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the lift truck as well as the load it is picking up.
The load center is defined as the load's center of gravity. In a uniform load situation, such as a bale for example, the load center could be more easily detected. Like for instance, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, will have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for many smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not centered correctly, such as with things which are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for instance, then great caution and care must be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.
The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, that shifts each and every time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. A lot of care must be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in the stability triangle of the forklift. This occurs by following the numbers and not raisin more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center should be considered. Be aware that whenever lifting the load, the load center also shifts forward.
If the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected, the operator and all workers and pedestrians nearby could stay a lot safer. This would ensure balanced loads, a balanced machinery and safer for everyone.