To make certain 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 check if the worksite is safe to use with a Worksite Assessment. The Function Test is the third step in order to determine whether or not the model is working safely. The 4th thing to consider is Proper Operation, so as to know whether or not the model is operating safely. Last of all, Proper Shutdown should be checked so as to make sure the unit is capable of shutting down correctly and is in a safe place.
At the center of the 5 steps and this regulation, there is a machine which stands on a triangular footprint and lifts heavy weights to impressive heights. The main objective is to be able to keep the telehandler upright, but for sure there are dangers.
The telehandler's triangular base comprises the two front wheels and the rear-axle pivot point. The back axles normally oscillates, thus the rear wheels are not considered part of the base. The telehandler remains upright so long as the equipment's center of gravity, that is defined as the point in 3 dimensions around which the weight of the equipment is balanced, stays oriented in the stability triangle.
When a load is positioned on the forks while the boom is down, the center of gravity down and forward. The load if raised would change the center of gravity to the rear upwards. At the same time, the stability triangle shrinks when this occurs. Hence, the higher you raise a load, the less of a margin for error you have because the stability triangle lessens.
With a small but stable stability triangle, it leaves less room for the center of gravity to move left or right. This wandering action could change the stability triangle, leaving less room for the frame to remain balanced if it is not completely level. Like for instance, imagine the center of gravity resembling a plumb bob hanging from the boom. You would always be able to find the center of gravity somewhere on a totally vertical line between the center of the ground and a point on the boom. If the frame is not level, the center of gravity would not be oriented over the centerline of the machine. The stability triangle is continuously aligned with the centerline of the telehandler.