Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is among the important basic operating considerations. One of the most complicated things for an operator of a lift truck to judge is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity in their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
In order to describe it clearly, 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, together with his load and the equipment itself, remains within the stability triangle in order to guard against the forklift losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How is the center of gravity defined? When it comes to lift truck operation, we need to be concerned not just 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 and the lift truck itself.
The load center is defined as the center of gravity of the load. In a uniform load situation, like a bale for instance, the load center could 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 load center is really common for numerous lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not correctly centered, like with things that are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for instance, then a lot of care and caution should be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.
The lift truck has its own center of gravity, which shifts every time the lift truck carries a load. Once the load is raised, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care should be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in the stability triangle of the forklift. This happens by following the numbers and not raisin over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center must be considered. Be very careful whenever raising the load, the load center also shifts forward.
The operator and everybody else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, can stay much 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.