Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is one of the important basic operating factors. Amongst the hardest things for a lift truck operator to determine is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity within their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
In order to describe it clearly, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When imaginary lines are drawn between these three points, the stability triangle is created. The operator needs to make sure that the center of gravity, that is made, combined with his load and the machine itself, remains within 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 it comes to using a lift truck, we need to be concerned not just with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the load that is being picked up as well as the lift truck itself.
The load center is defined as the center of gravity of the load. In a uniform load situation, like a bale for instance, 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 is a common load center for lots of lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not centered correctly, such as with things which are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for example, then great caution and care should be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.
Moreover, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts each time the lift truck carries a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. A lot of care should be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity within the forklift's stability triangle. This happens by following the numbers and not carrying over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center needs to be considered. Be really careful whenever raising the load, the load center moves forward as well.
The operator and everybody else who works in the nearby vicinity or close-by, can stay a lot safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This would guarantee balanced loads, a balanced machinery and safer for everyone.