Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is amongst the key basic operating factors. One of the hardest things for a lift truck operator to judge is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity in their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
To explain it simply, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When imaginary lines are drawn between these three points, the stability triangle is created. The operator needs to ensure that the center of gravity, that is created, together with the machinery 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 using a lift truck, we need to be concerned not just with the center of gravity of the load being lifted but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the lift truck and the load it is picking up.
The center of gravity of the load is defined as the load center. The load center can be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, like for instance a bale. Like for instance, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, will have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is really common for numerous smaller capacity lift trucks. However, if a load is not centered properly, like with non-symmetrical things, maybe an engine for example, then great care and caution have to be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.
The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, that shifts each time the lift truck picks up a load. When the load is lifted, the center of gravity moves 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 should be considered. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center also moves forward.
If the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected, the operator and all employees and pedestrians close by could stay much safer. This will truly ensure a balanced equipment, balanced loads and safer for everybody.