Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Amongst the important basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into account the center of gravity and the stability triangle. 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
In order to explain it simply, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When imaginary lines are drawn between these three points, the stability triangle is created. The operator should ensure that the center of gravity, which is created, along with his load and the machinery itself, remains in 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 it comes to using a lift truck, we need to be concerned not only with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the load that is being picked up as well as the lift truck itself.
The load center is defined as the center of gravity of the load. In a uniform load situation, such as a bale for instance, the load center can be more easily detected. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for example, would have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is very common for lots of smaller capacity lift trucks. However, if a load is not properly centered, like with things which are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for instance, then a lot of care and caution should be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.
The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, that shifts each and every time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity moves forward. Care has to be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity within the forklift's stability triangle. This occurs by following the numbers and not lifting more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center should be considered. Be really careful whenever raising the load, the load center shifts forward too.
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 would truly guarantee balanced loads, a balanced machinery and safer for everyone.