Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Among the important basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into consideration the stability triangle and the center of gravity. One of the hardest 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 simply, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When drawing imaginary lines between these three points, the stability triangle is created. The operator should make certain that the center of gravity, which is created, combined with the machinery and his load, remains within the stability triangle to be able 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 using a lift truck, we need to be concerned not just with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises 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 can be more easily detected. Like for instance, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, would have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for numerous smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not properly centered, like with non-symmetrical items, perhaps an engine for instance, then great care and caution need to be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.
The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, that shifts each time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. A lot of care should be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in the forklift's stability triangle. This occurs by following the numbers and not raisin over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center must be taken into consideration. Be aware that whenever lifting the load, the load center moves forward also.
If the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected, the operator and all employees and pedestrians close by can stay much safer. This would guarantee a balanced machinery, balanced loads and safer for everyone.