Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Amongst the key basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into account the stability triangle and the center of gravity. Amongst 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
A forklift has a 3-point suspension system. The stability triangle is created when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator needs to make certain that the center of gravity, that is created, together with the machinery and his load, 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 lift truck operation, we must be concerned not just 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 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, will have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is very common for many lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not centered properly, such as with things that are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for example, then great care and caution must be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
Moreover, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts each and every time the lift truck picks up a load. When the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. A lot of care should be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity in the forklift's stability triangle. This happens by following the numbers and not carrying more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center must be considered. Be aware that whenever raising 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 employees and pedestrians close by can stay a lot safer. This will guarantee a balanced machinery, balanced loads and safer for everyone.