Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is among the important basic operating factors. Amongst the most complicated 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
In order to explain it clearly, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When imaginary lines are drawn between these three points, the stability triangle is formed. The operator must ensure that the center of gravity, that is created, combined with his load and the machinery itself, remains in 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 in regards to using a lift truck, we have to be concerned not just with the center of gravity of the load being lifted but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the lift truck and 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 instance, the load center can 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 lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not centered correctly, like with non-symmetrical things, perhaps an engine for example, then a lot of care and caution must be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.
The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, that shifts each and every time the lift truck carries a load. Once the load is raised, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care should be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity within the stability triangle of the forklift. This occurs by following the numbers and not raisin more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center should be considered. Be really careful whenever raising the load, the load center also shifts forward.
If the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained, the operator and all workers and pedestrians close by can stay much safer. This would ensure balanced loads, a balanced equipment and safer for everybody.