Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
One of the important basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into account the stability triangle and the center of gravity. One of the hardest 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 created when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator should ensure that the center of gravity, that is created, combined with the machinery and his load, remains in the stability triangle in order to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How is the center of gravity defined? When it comes to using a lift truck, we have to be concerned not just 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 as well as the lift truck itself.
The load's center of gravity 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 is a common load center for lots of lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not correctly centered, such as with non-symmetrical items, maybe an engine for example, then great care and caution should be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
Moreover, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts each time the lift truck carries a load. Once the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. Care must be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in the forklift's stability triangle. This happens by following the numbers and not raisin more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center must be taken into account. Be very careful whenever raising the load, the load center moves forward as well.
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 would ensure a balanced machine, balanced loads and safer for everybody.