Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Among the key basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into account the center of gravity and the stability triangle. Amongst the most difficult things for a lift truck operator to judge is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity within their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
To explain it simply, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When drawing imaginary lines between these three points, the stability triangle is created. The operator should ensure that the center of gravity, which is made, combined with the machinery and his load, remains within the stability triangle to be able to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How do you define the center of gravity? When in regards to lift truck operation, we should be concerned not only with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises 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 could be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, such as a bale. Like for instance, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, will have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is very common for numerous 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 a lot of care and caution should be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.
In addition, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts each time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. A lot of care has to be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity in the forklift's stability triangle. This happens by following the numbers and not lifting over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center must be taken into account. Be aware that whenever lifting the load, the load center moves forward too.
If the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected, the operator and all employees and pedestrians close by can stay much safer. This will truly guarantee balanced loads, a balanced machine and safer for everybody.