Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Among the important basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into consideration the center of gravity and the stability triangle. Amongst the most complicated things for a lift truck operator to judge is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity within their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
A forklift has a 3-point suspension system. The stability triangle is created when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator needs to ensure that the center of gravity, that is created, along with his load and the machine itself, remains within the stability triangle in order to guard against the forklift losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How is the center of gravity defined? 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 comprises the lift truck as well as the load it is picking up.
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 could be more easily detected. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for instance, would have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for lots of smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not centered correctly, such as with items which are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for example, then great care and caution have to be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.
The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, which 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 to be able to maintain the center of gravity in the stability triangle of the forklift. This happens by following the numbers and not carrying more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center must be taken into account. Be very careful whenever raising the load, the load center moves forward also.
The operator and everybody 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 truly ensure balanced loads, a balanced machine and safer for everyone.