Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is among the important basic operating factors. Amongst the most complicated things for an operator of a lift truck to judge is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity in 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 has to make certain that the center of gravity, which is made, together with his load and the equipment 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 in regards to using a lift truck, we must 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 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 can be more easily detected. 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 many lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not centered properly, like with non-symmetrical things, perhaps an engine for instance, then a lot of caution and care must be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.
The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, that shifts each time the lift truck carries a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care needs to be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in the stability triangle of the forklift. This occurs by following the numbers and not carrying more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center has to be taken into account. Be really careful whenever raising the load, the load center shifts forward too.
The operator and everyone else who works in the nearby vicinity or close-by, could stay a lot safer if the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected. This would guarantee a balanced machinery, balanced loads and safer for everybody.