There are 5 key steps to making certain that safety is a main concern. The initial step is completing a Walk-Around Inspection to be able to assure that the model is visually safe. After that check if the worksite is safe to operate in with a Worksite Assessment. The Function Test is the third step in order to determine whether or not the model is working in a safe manner. The 4th thing to consider is Proper Operation, so as to know whether or not the model is operating safely. Lastly, Proper Shutdown should be checked so as to make sure the unit is in a safe place and is capable of shutting down properly.
At the center of the 5 steps and this regulation, there is a machinery that stands on a triangular footprint and lifts heavy weights to impressive heights. The main goal is to be able to maintain the telehandler upright, but for sure there are dangers.
The triangular base of the telehandler comprises the two front wheels and the rear-axle pivot point. The back axles usually oscillates, hence the rear wheels are not considered part of the base. The telehandler remains upright as long as the equipment's center of gravity, which is defined as the point in 3 dimensions around which the weight of the machine is balanced, stays oriented inside the stability triangle.
When the boom is down, adding a load to the forks at that time moves the center of gravity down and forward. Lifting the load would move the center of gravity to the rear and upwards. At the same time, when this occurs, the stability triangle shrinks. Thus, the higher you lift a load, the less of a margin for error you have since the stability triangle lessens.
With a small but stable stability triangle, it leaves less room for the center of gravity to move left or right. This wandering action can change the stability triangle, leaving less room for the frame to remain balanced if it is not perfectly level. For example, imagine the center of gravity resembling a plumb bob hanging from the boom. You would always be able to find the center of gravity somewhere on a totally vertical line between a point on the boom and the center of the ground. If the frame is not level, the center of gravity will not be oriented over the centerline of the equipment. The stability triangle is always aligned with the equipment's centerline.