Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is among the key basic operating factors. Among the hardest things for a lift truck operator to judge 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 should make sure that the center of gravity, that is created, together with the machinery and his load, remains in the stability triangle to be able to guard against the forklift losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How is the center of gravity defined? When it comes to utilizing a lift truck, we must 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 lift truck as well as the load it is picking up.
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, like for example a bale. 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 lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not correctly centered, like with things which are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for example, then a lot of caution and care must be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.
Additionally, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts every time the lift truck picks up a load. When the load is lifted, the center of gravity moves forward. A lot of care needs to be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in the forklift's stability triangle. This happens by following the numbers and not raisin over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center needs to be taken into consideration. Be very careful whenever raising the load, the load center shifts forward as well.
If the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected, the operator and all employees and pedestrians nearby could stay a lot safer. This will really guarantee balanced loads, a balanced machinery and safer for everyone.