Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The center of gravity and the stability triangle is amongst the important basic operating considerations. Amongst the hardest things for an operator of a lift truck 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 formed when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator has to make sure that the center of gravity, which is made, along with his load and the machine itself, remains in the stability triangle in order to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How is the center of gravity defined? When in regards to lift truck operation, we have to be concerned not just with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the lift truck and 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. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for instance, would 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 correctly centered, such as with non-symmetrical items, maybe an engine for example, then great care and caution need to be taken in order 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 raised, the center of gravity shifts forward. A lot of care needs to be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity within the stability triangle of the forklift. This happens by following the numbers and not raisin more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center must be taken into consideration. Be really careful whenever lifting the load, the load center also moves forward.
If the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained, the operator and all workers and pedestrians nearby could stay a lot safer. This will truly guarantee a balanced machinery, balanced loads and safer for everybody.