Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
One of the important basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into consideration the center of gravity and the stability triangle. One of the most difficult things for a lift truck operator to judge is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity in their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
In order to describe it clearly, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When drawing imaginary lines between these three points, the stability triangle is formed. The operator should make certain that the center of gravity, that is created, along 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 in regards to utilizing a lift truck, we must be concerned not only with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the load which is being picked up and the lift truck itself.
The load center is defined as the load's center of gravity. In a uniform load situation, such as a bale for example, the load center could be more easily detected. 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 smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not centered correctly, such as with items which are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for example, then great care and caution should be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.
Moreover, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts each and every time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is raised, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care needs to be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity in the stability triangle of the forklift. This occurs by following the numbers and not carrying over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center has to be considered. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center also shifts forward.
If the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected, the operator and all employees and pedestrians nearby can stay a lot safer. This will ensure a balanced machinery, balanced loads and safer for everyone.