Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Amongst the important basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into consideration the center of gravity and the stability triangle. Among the most difficult things for an operator of a lift truck to judge is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity within their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
To describe it simply, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When drawing imaginary lines between these three points, the stability triangle is formed. The operator needs to ensure that the center of gravity, that is created, along with his load and the equipment itself, remains within the stability triangle to be able to guard against the forklift 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 only with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the lift truck as well as the load it is picking up.
The center of gravity of the load is defined as the load center. The load center could be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, like for instance a bale. Like for instance, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, would have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for lots of smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not centered correctly, like with things which are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for instance, then a lot of caution and care need to be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.
Moreover, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts each and every time the lift truck picks up a load. When the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. Care needs to be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity within the stability triangle of the forklift. This occurs by following the numbers and not raisin over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center should be taken into account. Be aware that whenever lifting the load, the load center moves forward also.
If the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained, the operator and all workers and pedestrians close by could stay much safer. This will ensure a balanced machine, balanced loads and safer for everyone.