Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Among the important basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into account the center of gravity and the stability triangle. Among the hardest things for a lift truck operator to determine is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity in their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
To explain 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 should make certain that the center of gravity, that is made, along with his load and the machinery 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 load's center of gravity. In a uniform load situation, such as a bale for instance, the load center can be more easily detected. Like for instance, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, would have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is very common for numerous lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not correctly centered, such as with things that are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for instance, then a lot of care and caution must be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
Furthermore, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts every time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. A lot of care must 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 more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center must be taken into account. Be very careful whenever lifting the load, the load center also moves forward.
The operator and everybody else who works in the nearby vicinity or close-by, can stay a lot safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This will really ensure balanced loads, a balanced equipment and safer for everyone.