Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Among the key basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into account the center of gravity and the stability triangle. One of the hardest things for a lift truck operator to judge is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity within their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
To describe it simply, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When drawing imaginary lines between these three points, the stability triangle is formed. The operator should make sure that the center of gravity, that is made, along with his load and the machinery itself, remains within the stability triangle to be able to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How is the center of gravity defined? When it comes to using 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 includes the load that is being picked up as well as the lift truck itself.
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. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for instance, will have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for many smaller capacity lift trucks. However, if a load is not correctly centered, such as with non-symmetrical things, perhaps an engine for instance, then great care and caution need to be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
Additionally, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts each time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is lifted, the center of gravity moves forward. A lot of care must be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity within the stability triangle of the forklift. 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 also shifts forward.
The operator and everyone else who works in the nearby vicinity or close-by, can stay a lot safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This will really guarantee balanced loads, a balanced equipment and safer for everyone.