Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Amongst the important basic discussions with 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 determine is the significance 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 ensure that the center of gravity, which is made, combined with the equipment and his load, remains within the stability triangle in order to guard against the forklift losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How is the center of gravity defined? When it comes to lift truck operation, we need to be concerned not just with the load's center of gravity 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 load's center of gravity. In a uniform load situation, like a bale for instance, 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 many smaller capacity lift trucks. However, if a load is not correctly centered, like with non-symmetrical things, perhaps an engine for example, then great caution and care need to be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
Furthermore, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts every time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is raised, the center of gravity shifts forward. A lot of care has to be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity within the stability triangle of the forklift. 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 considered. Be really careful whenever lifting the load, the load center moves forward as well.
The operator and everyone else who works in the nearby vicinity or close-by, could stay much safer if the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected. This would ensure a balanced machinery, balanced loads and safer for everybody.