Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Among the key basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into account the stability triangle and the center of gravity. One of the most difficult 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 explain it simply, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When drawing imaginary lines between these three points, the stability triangle is formed. The operator must make sure that the center of gravity, which is made, combined with the equipment and his load, remains in the stability triangle to be able to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How is the center of gravity defined? When in regards to lift truck operation, we must be concerned not only with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the lift truck and the load it is picking up.
The load center is defined as the load's center of gravity. In a uniform load situation, such as a bale for example, the load center could be more easily detected. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for instance, would have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is really common for a lot of smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not properly centered, like with non-symmetrical things, perhaps an engine for example, then great caution and care need to be taken in order to gauge the center of gravity.
The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, which shifts each and every time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is raised, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care must be taken to be able 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 taken into account. Be very careful whenever raising the load, the load center also shifts forward.
If the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained, the operator and all workers and pedestrians close by could stay much safer. This will truly guarantee balanced loads, a balanced machinery and safer for everybody.