Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The center of gravity and the stability triangle is one of the key basic operating factors. One of the hardest 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
A forklift has a 3-point suspension system. The stability triangle is created when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator has to make sure that the center of gravity, which is created, together 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 lift truck operation, we should be concerned not only with the center of gravity of the load being lifted but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the load that is being picked up and the lift truck itself.
The load center is defined as the center of gravity of the load. In a uniform load situation, like a bale for instance, the load center could be more easily detected. Like for example, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, would have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for numerous smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not properly centered, like with non-symmetrical things, perhaps an engine for instance, then great care and caution need to 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 every 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 occurs by following the numbers and not raisin over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center must be taken into account. Be really careful whenever lifting the load, the load center shifts forward also.
If the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained, the operator and all employees and pedestrians close by can stay much safer. This will really ensure balanced loads, a balanced machinery and safer for everyone.