Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Among the key basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into account the center of gravity and the stability triangle. One of the most difficult things for an operator of a lift truck to judge is the importance 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 created when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator must make certain that the center of gravity, that is made, combined with the machine 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 in regards to lift truck operation, 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 load that is being picked up and the lift truck itself.
The load center is defined as the center of gravity of the load. In a uniform load situation, like a bale for instance, 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 load center is really common for lots of lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not correctly centered, such as with things which are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for instance, then great caution and care have to be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.
The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, which shifts each time the lift truck picks up a load. When the load is raised, the center of gravity moves 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 raisin over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center has to be taken into consideration. Be aware that whenever lifting the load, the load center moves forward also.
The operator and everybody else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, could stay a lot safer if the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected. This would guarantee a balanced machinery, balanced loads and safer for everyone.