Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
One of the key basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into account the center of gravity and the stability triangle. 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
To describe it simply, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When imaginary lines are drawn between these three points, the stability triangle is created. The operator has to make certain that the center of gravity, that is made, along with the equipment and his load, remains within the stability triangle in order 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 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 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, like a bale for instance, the load center can be more easily detected. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for example, would have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for many smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not properly centered, like with things which are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for example, then a lot of care and caution have to be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.
In addition, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts each time the lift truck picks up a load. When the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. A lot of care must be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity in the forklift's stability triangle. This occurs by following the numbers and not raisin more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center needs to be considered. Be very careful whenever raising the load, the load center shifts forward also.
The operator and everyone else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, can stay much safer if the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected. This would ensure a balanced machine, balanced loads and safer for everybody.