Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is one of the important basic operating factors. One of the most difficult things for a lift truck operator to judge is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity in their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
In order to describe it simply, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When drawing imaginary lines between these three points, the stability triangle is created. The operator has to ensure that the center of gravity, which is made, along with the machinery and his load, remains within the stability triangle to be able to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How is the center of gravity defined? When it comes to using a lift truck, we should 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 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 can be more easily detected. Like for instance, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, would have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is very common for many lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not properly centered, such as with non-symmetrical things, perhaps an engine for example, then great care and caution should be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
The lift truck has its own center of gravity, which shifts each and every time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is lifted, 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 happens by following the numbers and not carrying over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center must be taken into consideration. Be very careful whenever lifting the load, the load center moves forward as well.
If the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained, the operator and all employees and pedestrians nearby could stay much safer. This would truly guarantee balanced loads, a balanced machinery and safer for everybody.