Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Among the key basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into consideration the center of gravity and the stability triangle. Amongst the most complicated things for a lift truck operator to judge is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity within their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
In order to explain it clearly, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When drawing imaginary lines between these three points, the stability triangle is formed. The operator must ensure that the center of gravity, that is made, together with the equipment 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 is the center of gravity defined? When it comes to utilizing a lift truck, we must be concerned not just with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the lift truck and the load it is picking up.
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. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for example, would have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is really common for many lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not centered correctly, like with non-symmetrical items, perhaps an engine for instance, then a lot of caution and care should be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.
Moreover, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This 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 to be able to maintain the center of gravity within the stability triangle of the forklift. This occurs by following the numbers and not lifting over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center should be taken into account. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center also moves forward.
The operator and everyone else who works in the nearby vicinity or close-by, could stay a lot safer if the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected. This would ensure balanced loads, a balanced machine and safer for everyone.