Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
One of the important basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into account the center of gravity and the stability triangle. Amongst 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 should make certain that the center of gravity, which is created, together with the equipment and his load, remains within the stability triangle to be able to guard against the forklift losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How do you define the center of gravity? When it comes to lift truck operation, we must be concerned not just with the center of gravity of the load being lifted but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the load that is being picked up as well as the lift truck itself.
The load center is defined as the center of gravity of the load. In a uniform load situation, like a bale for instance, the load center can be more easily detected. Like for example, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, will have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is very common for numerous smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not centered properly, such as with things that are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for instance, then great caution and care have to be taken in order 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 carries a load. Once the load is raised, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care has to 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 over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center should be taken into consideration. Be aware that whenever lifting the load, the load center shifts forward too.
The operator and everyone else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, can stay a lot safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This would truly guarantee balanced loads, a balanced equipment and safer for everyone.