Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
One of the important basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into account the stability triangle and the center of gravity. Amongst the hardest things for an operator of a lift truck to judge is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity within their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
To explain it simply, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When drawing imaginary lines between these three points, the stability triangle is created. The operator should ensure that the center of gravity, that is made, together with his load and the machinery itself, remains within the stability triangle in order to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How do you define the center of gravity? When in regards to lift truck operation, we have to 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 as well as the load it is picking up.
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. Like for example, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, will have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is really common for a lot of smaller capacity lift trucks. However, if a load is not centered properly, like with non-symmetrical things, maybe an engine for instance, then great caution and care should be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, which shifts every time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity moves forward. A lot of care should be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in the stability triangle of the forklift. This happens by following the numbers and not lifting over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center needs to be considered. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center shifts forward as well.
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 will truly ensure a balanced equipment, balanced loads and safer for everybody.