Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is amongst the key basic operating factors. Amongst the most difficult 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 should ensure that the center of gravity, that is made, combined with the equipment and his load, remains within the stability triangle to be able 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 utilizing a lift truck, we must be concerned not only with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the lift truck as well as 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 example, 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 load center is really common for many lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not centered properly, such as with things that are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for example, then a lot of caution and care need to be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.
In addition, 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 lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care has to be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in 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. As well, the load center needs to be considered. Be very careful whenever lifting the load, the load center moves forward also.
If the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained, the operator and all workers and pedestrians nearby could stay a lot safer. This would ensure a balanced equipment, balanced loads and safer for everybody.