Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is one of the key basic operating factors. One of 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
To explain it clearly, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When imaginary lines are drawn between these three points, the stability triangle is created. The operator should make sure that the center of gravity, which is made, combined with the machine and his load, remains within the stability triangle to be able to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How is the center of gravity defined? When in regards to using a lift truck, we must be concerned not just with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes 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. 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 lots of smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not centered properly, like with non-symmetrical things, perhaps an engine for instance, then great caution and care should be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.
Additionally, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts each time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. Care must be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity within the forklift's stability triangle. This happens by following the numbers and not lifting over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center must be taken into consideration. Be aware that whenever lifting the load, the load center also shifts forward.
The operator and everyone else who works in the nearby vicinity or close-by, could stay a lot safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This will ensure a balanced machinery, balanced loads and safer for everyone.