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 difficult things for an operator of a lift truck 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 drawing imaginary lines between these three points, the stability triangle is created. The operator must ensure that the center of gravity, that is made, combined with the equipment and his load, remains within the stability triangle to be able to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How do you define the center of gravity? When it comes to utilizing a lift truck, we should be concerned not only with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the load that is being picked up as well as the lift truck itself.
The center of gravity of the load is defined as the load center. The load center can be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, such as a bale. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for example, would have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for many lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not centered correctly, like with items which are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for example, then great caution and care should be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.
Moreover, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts each and every time the lift truck carries a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity moves forward. A lot of care has to be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity within the stability triangle of the forklift. This occurs by following the numbers and not carrying more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center must be taken into account. Be aware that whenever lifting the load, the load center also shifts forward.
If the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained, the operator and all employees and pedestrians nearby could stay a lot safer. This would guarantee balanced loads, a balanced machine and safer for everybody.