Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The center of gravity and the stability triangle is amongst the important basic operating considerations. Amongst 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
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 created. The operator must ensure that the center of gravity, which is created, combined with his load and the equipment 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 utilizing a lift truck, we should be concerned not just with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the lift truck and the load it is picking up.
The load's center of gravity is defined as the load center. The load center could be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, like for example a bale. Like for example, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, will have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is really common for numerous smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not centered properly, like with non-symmetrical items, maybe an engine for instance, then great caution and care should be taken in order to gauge the center of gravity.
In addition, 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 lifted, the center of gravity moves forward. A lot of care needs to 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 over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center needs to be taken into consideration. Be aware that whenever raising 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 center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected. This would really guarantee balanced loads, a balanced machine and safer for everyone.