Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Amongst the important basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into consideration the stability triangle and the center of gravity. Among the hardest things for an operator of a lift truck to judge 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 created when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator should make certain that the center of gravity, which is created, together with his load and the machine 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 in regards to lift truck operation, we should 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 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, such as 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 a lot of lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not correctly centered, such as with non-symmetrical items, maybe an engine for example, then a lot of care and caution must be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.
The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, which shifts each and every time the lift truck picks up a load. When the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care has to be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in the stability triangle of the forklift. This happens by following the numbers and not carrying over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center needs to be taken into account. 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, could stay a lot safer if the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected. This will guarantee balanced loads, a balanced equipment and safer for everyone.