Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
One of the important basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into consideration the stability triangle and the center of gravity. Amongst the most difficult things for an operator of a lift truck to determine is the significance 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 make sure that the center of gravity, that is made, together with the equipment and his load, remains within the stability triangle in order 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 lift truck operation, 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 and the load it is picking up.
The load center is defined as the load's center of gravity. In a uniform load situation, like a bale for instance, the load center can be more easily detected. Like for example, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, would have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for lots of smaller capacity lift trucks. However, if a load is not centered properly, such as with things which are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for instance, then a lot of care and caution must be taken in order to gauge the center of gravity.
The lift truck has its own center of gravity, that shifts each and every time the lift truck carries a load. Once the load is raised, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care should be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity within the stability triangle of the forklift. This happens by following the numbers and not carrying more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center needs to be taken into consideration. Be aware that whenever lifting the load, the load center moves forward too.
The operator and everyone else who works in the nearby vicinity or close-by, can stay a lot safer if the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected. This will guarantee balanced loads, a balanced machinery and safer for everyone.