Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
One of the important basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into consideration the center of gravity and the stability triangle. One of the most complicated things for an operator of a lift truck to judge is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity within their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
To describe it clearly, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When imaginary lines are drawn between these three points, the stability triangle is created. The operator must ensure that the center of gravity, which is made, combined with his load and the equipment itself, remains within the stability triangle to be able to guard against the forklift losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How do you define the center of gravity? When it comes to utilizing a lift truck, we must be concerned not only with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the lift truck and the load it is picking up.
The center of gravity of the load is defined as the load center. The load center can be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, like for example a bale. Like for instance, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, would have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is very common for numerous smaller capacity lift trucks. However, if a load is not correctly centered, like with non-symmetrical things, maybe an engine for example, then great 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 every time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. A lot of care must be taken to be able 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. Also, the load center has to be taken into consideration. Be aware that whenever lifting the load, the load center moves 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 guarantee a balanced machine, balanced loads and safer for everybody.