Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Amongst the key basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into account the center of gravity and the stability triangle. Among the hardest things for an operator of a lift truck to determine is the importance 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 needs to make certain that the center of gravity, which is created, together with his load and the machine itself, remains within 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 should be concerned not just with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the load that is being picked up as well as the lift truck itself.
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, such as a bale. Like for example, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, would have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is really common for lots of lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not correctly centered, such as with items which are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for instance, then great caution and care need to be taken to be able to gauge 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. Once the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. Care should be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity within the forklift's stability triangle. This occurs by following the numbers and not carrying more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center must be taken into account. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center shifts forward also.
If the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained, the operator and all employees and pedestrians close by could stay much safer. This will truly ensure balanced loads, a balanced equipment and safer for everyone.