Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Amongst the important basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into consideration the stability triangle and the center of gravity. Among the most complicated things for an operator of a lift truck to determine is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity in their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
A forklift has a 3-point suspension system. The stability triangle is created when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator must ensure that the center of gravity, that is made, together with his load and the machinery itself, remains within the stability triangle in order to guard against the forklift 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 includes the lift truck as well as the load it is picking up.
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, such as a bale. 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 numerous lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not properly centered, like with non-symmetrical things, perhaps an engine for instance, then great care and caution must be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
In addition, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts each time the lift truck carries a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care should be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity within the stability triangle of the forklift. This happens by following the numbers and not raisin more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center should be considered. Be aware that whenever lifting the load, the load center also moves forward.
If the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected, the operator and all employees and pedestrians close by could stay much safer. This would ensure balanced loads, a balanced equipment and safer for everyone.