Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is among the key basic operating factors. Among 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 clearly, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When imaginary lines are drawn between these three points, the stability triangle is created. The operator needs to ensure that the center of gravity, which is made, along with his load and the machinery itself, remains in the stability triangle to be able to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How do you define the center of gravity? When it comes to using a lift truck, we must be concerned not just with the center of gravity of the load being lifted but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the load that is being picked up and the lift truck itself.
The load's center of gravity is defined as the load center. The load center can be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, like for instance a bale. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for instance, will have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is very common for lots of lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not centered properly, like with items that are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for example, then great care and caution must be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.
The lift truck has its own center of gravity, that shifts every time the lift truck picks up 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 in the stability triangle of the forklift. This happens by following the numbers and not lifting over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center should be taken into consideration. Be very careful whenever raising the load, the load center shifts forward as well.
The operator and everyone else who works in the nearby vicinity or close-by, could stay much safer if the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected. This would ensure a balanced equipment, balanced loads and safer for everybody.