To ensure that safety is a main concern, there are 5 important steps. In order to make certain that the model is visually safe, the first step is to perform a Walk-Around Inspection. After that assess if the work location is safe to utilize with a Worksite Assessment. The Function Test is the third step so as to determine whether or not the unit is working safely. The 4th thing to consider is Proper Operation, so as to determine whether or not the unit is safely operating. Lastly, Proper Shutdown must be checked in order to make certain the unit is capable of shutting down properly and is in a safe place.
At the center of the 5 steps and this regulation, there is a machinery that lifts heavy weights to impressive heights and stands on a triangular footprint. The main goal is to be able to maintain the telehandler upright, but of course there are dangers.
The telehandler's triangular base comprises the rear-axle pivot point and the two front wheels. The back axles usually oscillates, thus the rear wheels are not considered part of the base. The telehandler remains upright so long as the center of gravity of the equipment, that is defined as the point in 3 dimensions around which the weight of the machine is balanced, stays oriented in the stability triangle.
When the boom is down, adding a load to the forks at that time changes the center of gravity forward and down. Lifting the load will change the center of gravity to the rear and upwards. At the same time, when this happens, the stability triangle shrinks. Therefore, the higher you lift a load, the less of a margin for error you have as the stability triangle lessens.
With a small but stable stability triangle, it leaves less room for the center of gravity to move right or left. This wandering action can change the stability triangle, leaving less room for the frame to remain balanced if it is not perfectly level. For example, imagine the center of gravity resembling a plumb bob hanging from the boom. You would always be able to find the center of gravity someplace on a totally vertical line between a point on the boom and the center of the ground. If the frame is not level, the center of gravity will not be oriented over the equipment's centerline. The stability triangle is always aligned with the centerline of the machine.