Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is amongst the important basic operating considerations. Among the most complicated things for an operator of a lift truck 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 made, together with the equipment and his load, remains within the stability triangle to be able 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 only with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the lift truck and the load it is picking up.
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, 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 centered properly, such as with non-symmetrical things, perhaps an engine for instance, then a lot of care and caution have to be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.
Moreover, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts each time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is lifted, the center of gravity moves forward. Care must be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity within the forklift's stability triangle. This occurs by following the numbers and not raisin more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center needs to be considered. Be really careful whenever raising the load, the load center moves forward as well.
If the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained, the operator and all employees and pedestrians nearby can stay much safer. This would really ensure a balanced machinery, balanced loads and safer for everybody.