Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is one of the important basic operating factors. Amongst the most difficult things for a lift truck operator 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 formed when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator should make sure that the center of gravity, that is created, along with the machinery and his load, remains within 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 using a lift truck, we must be concerned not just with the center of gravity of the load being lifted but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the lift truck as well as the load it is picking up.
The load center is defined as the load's center of gravity. In a uniform load situation, like a bale for example, the load center could be more easily detected. Like for example, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, will have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is really common for a lot of lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not centered correctly, like with non-symmetrical items, perhaps an engine for example, then a lot of caution and care must be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.
Moreover, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts each and every time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care must be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in the stability triangle of the forklift. This occurs by following the numbers and not carrying over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center should be considered. Be really careful 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 workers and pedestrians close by could stay much safer. This will guarantee a balanced machinery, balanced loads and safer for everybody.