Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is one of the important basic operating factors. One of the most complicated things for a lift truck operator to determine is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity within their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
In order to describe it clearly, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When imaginary lines are drawn between these three points, the stability triangle is formed. The operator must ensure that the center of gravity, which is made, along with his load and the equipment itself, remains in the stability triangle to be able 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 should 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 center of gravity of the load. In a uniform load situation, like a bale for example, the load center could be more easily detected. Like for example, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, will have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for numerous smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not properly centered, such as with non-symmetrical items, maybe an engine for example, then great care and caution have to be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.
The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, which shifts each and every time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care has 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 raisin over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center should be considered. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center shifts forward as well.
The operator and everyone else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, could stay much safer if the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected. This will truly ensure balanced loads, a balanced machine and safer for everybody.