Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is among the important basic operating factors. One of the most complicated 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 must make sure that the center of gravity, that is made, combined with the machinery and his load, remains within the stability triangle in order to guard against the forklift losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How do you define the center of gravity? When it comes to using a lift truck, we have to be concerned not just with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the lift truck and the load it is picking up.
The load's center of gravity is defined as the load center. The load center could be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, like for example a bale. Like for example, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, will have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is very common for many smaller capacity lift trucks. However, if a load is not centered correctly, such as with non-symmetrical items, maybe an engine for example, then a lot of care and caution have to be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
Additionally, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts each and every time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. Care should be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity in the stability triangle of the forklift. This occurs by following the numbers and not lifting more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center must be considered. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center also shifts forward.
The operator and everyone else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, could stay much safer if the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected. This would guarantee balanced loads, a balanced machine and safer for everybody.