Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The center of gravity and the stability triangle is among the important basic operating factors. Amongst the most difficult things for an operator of a lift truck to judge is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity in their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
To describe 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 must make certain that the center of gravity, which is made, along with the machinery and his load, 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 in regards to utilizing a lift truck, we need 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 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, like for example a bale. Like for example, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, would have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for many lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not correctly centered, like with items which are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for example, then a lot of care and caution have to be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.
Furthermore, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts each and every time the lift truck carries a load. Once the load is raised, the center of gravity shifts forward. A lot of care has 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 lifting more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center should be taken into consideration. Be aware that whenever lifting the load, the load center also shifts forward.
The operator and everyone else who works in the nearby vicinity or close-by, can stay much safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This will truly ensure balanced loads, a balanced machinery and safer for everyone.