Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The center of gravity and the stability triangle is amongst the important basic operating factors. One of the most difficult things for an operator of a lift truck to determine 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 should make certain that the center of gravity, that is made, combined with his load and the machinery itself, remains within the stability triangle to be able to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How is the center of gravity defined? When it comes to using a lift truck, we must be concerned not just with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the load which 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 can be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, like for example 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 many lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not properly centered, such as with things that are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for instance, then a lot of caution and care must be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.
Furthermore, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts each and every time the lift truck picks up a load. Once 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 stability triangle of the forklift. This happens by following the numbers and not carrying over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center needs to be taken into account. Be very careful whenever lifting the load, the load center also shifts forward.
The operator and everyone else who works in the nearby vicinity or close-by, can stay a lot safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This would guarantee a balanced machine, balanced loads and safer for everybody.