Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The center of gravity and the stability triangle is among the key basic operating factors. Amongst the hardest things for an operator of a lift truck to judge is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity in 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 make certain that the center of gravity, which is made, along with the machinery and his load, 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 center of gravity of the load being lifted but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the load which 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, like for instance a bale. Like for instance, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, will have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for numerous smaller capacity lift trucks. However, if a load is not centered correctly, like with non-symmetrical things, maybe an engine for example, then great care and caution should be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.
The lift truck has its own center of gravity, which shifts each and every time the lift truck picks up a load. When the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care has to be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity in the forklift's stability triangle. This happens 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 taken into consideration. Be aware that whenever lifting the load, the load center shifts forward as well.
The operator and everyone else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, could stay much safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This will guarantee a balanced equipment, balanced loads and safer for everyone.