Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is among the important basic operating considerations. One of the hardest things for a lift truck operator to judge 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 has to make certain that the center of gravity, which is made, together with his load and the machine itself, remains in the stability triangle to be able to prevent the forklift from 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 only 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 and 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 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 many lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not centered properly, like with non-symmetrical things, maybe an engine for example, then a lot of care and caution must 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. When the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. Care must be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity in 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. Also, the load center must be considered. Be really careful whenever lifting the load, the load center moves forward as well.
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 really ensure balanced loads, a balanced equipment and safer for everybody.