Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Among the important basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into consideration the stability triangle and the center of gravity. Among the most difficult things for a lift truck operator to judge is the significance 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 created. The operator must ensure that the center of gravity, which is created, together with his load and the machinery itself, remains in 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 using 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 lift truck as well as the load it is picking up.
The load's center of gravity is defined as the load center. The load center could be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, like for example a bale. 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 lots of smaller capacity lift trucks. However, if a load is not centered properly, like with non-symmetrical items, perhaps an engine for example, then a lot of caution and care must be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
The lift truck has its own center of gravity, which shifts each time the lift truck carries a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care needs to be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity within the forklift's stability triangle. This occurs by following the numbers and not carrying more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center should be taken into account. Be very careful whenever lifting the load, the load center shifts forward too.
If the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected, the operator and all workers and pedestrians close by can stay much safer. This will guarantee a balanced machine, balanced loads and safer for everyone.