There are 5 key steps to ensuring safety is a main concern. The first step is completing a Walk-Around Inspection in order to assure that the model is visually safe. Next assess if the work location is safe to use with a Worksite Assessment. The Function Test is the third step so as to know whether or not the unit is working safely. The 4th thing to think about is Proper Operation, so as to determine whether or not the model is operating safely. Last of all, Proper Shutdown should be checked so as to make sure the unit is in a safe place and is capable of shutting down properly.
At the center of the 5 steps and this regulation, there is a machinery that lifts heavy weights to impressive heights and stands on a triangular footprint. The main objective is to keep the telehandler upright, but for sure there are dangers.
The triangular base of the telehandler consists of the two front wheels and the rear-axle pivot point. The back axles usually oscillates, hence the rear wheels are not considered part of the base. The telehandler remains upright as long as the center of gravity of the equipment, which is defined as the point in 3 dimensions around which the equipment's weight is balanced, stays oriented in the stability triangle.
When a load is positioned on the forks whilst the boom is down, the center of gravity down and forward. The load if raised will change the center of gravity upwards to the rear. At the same time, the stability triangle shrinks when this happens. Thus, the higher you raise a load, the less of a margin for error you have because the stability triangle lessens.
When the stability triangle is small, it leaves less room for the center of gravity to move right or left. It is this wandering action that could change the stability triangle and leave less room for the frame to remain balanced if it is not perfectly level. Like for example, imagine the center of gravity resembling a plumb bob hanging from the boom. You will always be able to find the center of gravity somewhere on a totally vertical line between the center of the ground and a point on the boom. If the frame is not level, the center of gravity will not be oriented over the centerline of the machine. The stability triangle is always aligned with the equipment's centerline.