Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is amongst the important basic operating factors. Among the most difficult things for a lift truck operator to judge is the significance 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 formed when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator must make sure that the center of gravity, that is made, together with his load and the machine itself, remains in 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 it comes 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 comprises the lift truck and 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. Like for example, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, would have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is really common for many lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not correctly centered, such as with items that are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for example, then great caution and care need to be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.
Moreover, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts every time the lift truck picks up a load. When the load is raised, the center of gravity shifts forward. A lot of care should be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity within the stability triangle of the forklift. This occurs by following the numbers and not raisin over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center should be taken into consideration. Be very careful whenever raising the load, the load center shifts forward also.
The operator and everybody 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 will truly ensure balanced loads, a balanced machinery and safer for everyone.