Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Amongst the important basic discussions with 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 determine is the significance 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 formed when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator should make certain that the center of gravity, that is created, along with his load and the machinery itself, 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 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 includes 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 instance 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 smaller capacity lift trucks. However, if a load is not properly centered, like with things which are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for instance, then a lot of caution and care should be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.
Additionally, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts every time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is raised, 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 raisin over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center must be considered. Be very careful whenever raising the load, the load center moves forward too.
The operator and everyone else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, could stay a lot safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This will truly ensure a balanced equipment, balanced loads and safer for everyone.