Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
One of the important basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into account the stability triangle and the center of gravity. Amongst the most complicated things for an operator of a lift truck to judge is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity in their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
To describe it clearly, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When drawing imaginary lines between these three points, the stability triangle is formed. The operator must ensure that the center of gravity, that is made, along with his load and the machinery itself, remains in the stability triangle in order to guard against the forklift losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How is the center of gravity defined? When in regards to lift truck operation, we must be concerned not just with the center of gravity of the load being lifted but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the load which is being picked up as well as the lift truck itself.
The load's center of gravity is defined as the load center. The load center can be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, like for example a bale. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for example, will have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for many smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not centered properly, such as with non-symmetrical things, maybe an engine for example, then a lot of caution and care must be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
Additionally, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts each time the lift truck picks up a load. When the load is raised, the center of gravity shifts forward. A lot of care must 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 more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center must be considered. Be really careful whenever lifting the load, the load center also shifts forward.
The operator and everybody else who works in the nearby vicinity or close-by, can stay much safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This will really ensure balanced loads, a balanced equipment and safer for everyone.