Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is one of the key basic operating factors. Among the most complicated things for a lift truck operator to judge is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity in their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
To explain it simply, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When drawing imaginary lines between these three points, the stability triangle is formed. The operator must make sure that the center of gravity, which is made, together with his load and the machinery itself, remains within 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 it comes to using a lift truck, we should 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 center of gravity of the load is defined as the load center. The load center could be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, like for instance a bale. Like for example, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, will have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is really common for many lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not properly centered, like with non-symmetrical items, maybe an engine for instance, then a lot of caution and care should be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
The lift truck has its own center of gravity, which shifts each and every time the lift truck picks up a load. When the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. Care should be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity in the stability triangle of the forklift. This occurs by following the numbers and not carrying over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center must be taken into account. Be very careful whenever raising the load, the load center also moves forward.
If the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected, the operator and all workers and pedestrians nearby could stay much safer. This would ensure a balanced machine, balanced loads and safer for everyone.