Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
One of the important basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into account the stability triangle and the center of gravity. Amongst the hardest things for an operator of a lift truck to determine 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 must make certain that the center of gravity, that is made, together with the equipment and his load, remains in the stability triangle in order to guard against the forklift losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How is the center of gravity defined? When in regards to lift truck operation, we must be concerned not only with the center of gravity of the load being lifted 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 example a bale. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for instance, will have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for numerous lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not centered correctly, such as with things that are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for example, then a lot of caution and care should be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.
The lift truck has its own center of gravity, which shifts each time the lift truck carries a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care has to be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity within the stability triangle of the forklift. This happens by following the numbers and not lifting over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center has to be considered. Be really careful whenever lifting the load, the load center also moves forward.
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 ensure balanced loads, a balanced equipment and safer for everyone.