Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The center of gravity and the stability triangle is among the important basic operating considerations. One of 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 should ensure that the center of gravity, which is created, along with his load and the machine itself, remains in 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 it comes to lift truck operation, we have to 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 load that is being picked up and the lift truck itself.
The load center is defined as the center of gravity of the load. In a uniform load situation, like a bale for instance, the load center could be more easily detected. Like for instance, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, will have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is really common for many lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not properly centered, like with items that are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for example, then great care and caution must be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
Additionally, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts each time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is raised, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care must 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 lifting more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center needs to be taken into account. Be very 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 stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This would ensure a balanced machine, balanced loads and safer for everybody.