Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The center of gravity and the stability triangle is among the key basic operating considerations. Among the most complicated things for a lift truck operator to judge is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity in their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
To describe it clearly, 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 created, together with his load and the equipment itself, remains within the stability triangle in order to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How do you define the center of gravity? When in regards to utilizing 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 load which is being picked up as well as the lift truck itself.
The center of gravity of the load is defined as the load center. The load center can be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, like for instance a bale. Like for example, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, would have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for a lot of smaller capacity lift trucks. However, if a load is not centered correctly, like with items which are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for example, then a lot of 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 every time the lift truck picks up a load. When the load is lifted, the center of gravity moves forward. Care has to be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in the stability triangle of the forklift. This occurs by following the numbers and not raisin more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center must be considered. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center moves forward too.
The operator and everybody else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, could stay a lot safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This will ensure a balanced machinery, balanced loads and safer for everyone.