Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Amongst the key basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into consideration the center of gravity and the stability triangle. One of the hardest 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
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 ensure that the center of gravity, which is created, along 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 do you define the center of gravity? When in regards to using a lift truck, we need to be concerned not only with the center of gravity of the load being lifted but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the load which 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 can be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, like for instance a bale. Like for instance, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, will have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for many lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not centered properly, such as with things that are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for example, then a lot of caution and care should be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
The lift truck has its own center of gravity, which shifts each and every time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care should be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity in the forklift's stability triangle. This occurs by following the numbers and not carrying over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center needs to be taken into consideration. Be aware that whenever lifting the load, the load center shifts forward also.
The operator and everyone else who works in the nearby vicinity or close-by, can stay much safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This will ensure a balanced machine, balanced loads and safer for everyone.