Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is one of the key basic operating factors. Amongst the hardest things for a lift truck operator to determine is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity within 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 formed. The operator must ensure that the center of gravity, that is made, together with his load and the machinery 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 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 comprises the lift truck as well as the load it is picking up.
The load center is defined as the load's center of gravity. 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 is a common load center for a lot of lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not centered correctly, like with items that are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for example, then a lot of care and caution must be taken in order to gauge the center of gravity.
The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, that shifts each time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care must be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity within the forklift's stability triangle. This happens by following the numbers and not raisin more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center has to be taken into account. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center also shifts forward.
If the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected, the operator and all employees and pedestrians close by could stay much safer. This would really ensure a balanced equipment, balanced loads and safer for everyone.