Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The center of gravity and the stability triangle is among the key basic operating factors. Amongst the most difficult things for a lift truck operator 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 should make certain that the center of gravity, which is created, combined 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 is the center of gravity defined? When it comes to utilizing a lift truck, we need to be concerned not only with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the load which is being picked up and the lift truck itself.
The load's center of gravity is defined as the load center. The load center could be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, like for example a bale. Like for example, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, will have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is very common for numerous smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not properly centered, such as with things that are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for instance, then a lot of care and caution should be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, that shifts each and every time the lift truck picks up a load. When the load is lifted, the center of gravity moves forward. A lot of care has to 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 raisin more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center should be considered. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center moves forward too.
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 a balanced machine, balanced loads and safer for everyone.