Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
One of the key basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into account the stability triangle and the center of gravity. One of the hardest things for a lift truck operator to judge is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity within their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
In order to describe 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 should ensure that the center of gravity, which is created, combined with his load and the equipment itself, remains in the stability triangle to be able to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How is the center of gravity defined? When in regards to utilizing a lift truck, we need to be concerned not only with the center of gravity of the load being lifted but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the load that is being picked up and the lift truck itself.
The center of gravity of the load is defined as the load center. The load center can be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, such as a bale. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for example, will have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for numerous smaller capacity lift trucks. However, if a load is not correctly centered, such as with things which are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for example, then great caution and care must be taken in order to gauge the center of gravity.
Moreover, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts every time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity moves forward. Care should be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in the forklift's stability triangle. This happens by following the numbers and not lifting more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center should be considered. Be very careful whenever raising the load, the load center also shifts forward.
The operator and everybody else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, could stay a lot safer if the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected. This will guarantee a balanced machine, balanced loads and safer for everyone.