Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is one of the key basic operating factors. One of the most difficult 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 has to ensure that the center of gravity, which is created, along with his load and the machine itself, 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 it comes to utilizing a lift truck, we should be concerned not just with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the load that is being picked up as well as the lift truck itself.
The load center is defined as the center of gravity of the load. In a uniform load situation, such as a bale for instance, the load center could be more easily detected. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for instance, would have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is really common for a lot of smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not properly centered, like with things which are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for example, then a lot of caution and care must be taken in order to gauge the center of gravity.
The lift truck has its own center of gravity, that shifts each time the lift truck picks up a load. When the load is raised, the center of gravity shifts forward. A lot of care should 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 more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center needs to be taken into account. Be very careful whenever raising the load, the load center shifts forward as well.
If the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained, the operator and all employees and pedestrians nearby could stay much safer. This would guarantee balanced loads, a balanced machine and safer for everyone.