Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Amongst the important basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into consideration the stability triangle and the center of gravity. Amongst the hardest things for an operator of a lift truck to determine 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 imaginary lines are drawn between these three points, the stability triangle is created. The operator should make sure that the center of gravity, which is created, along with the machinery and his load, remains within the stability triangle to be able to guard against the forklift losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How do you define the center of gravity? When it comes 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 includes the load that is being picked up as well as the lift truck itself.
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. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for example, would have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is very common for a lot of lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not properly centered, like with items that are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for instance, then a lot of caution and care have to be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
The lift truck has its own center of gravity, that shifts every time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is lifted, 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 happens by following the numbers and not lifting more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center must be considered. Be very careful whenever lifting the load, the load center moves forward as well.
If the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected, the operator and all workers and pedestrians close by could stay a lot safer. This will ensure a balanced machinery, balanced loads and safer for everyone.