Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Amongst the key basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into account the stability triangle and the center of gravity. Amongst the hardest things for a lift truck operator to determine is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity within 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 ensure that the center of gravity, which is made, along with his load and the equipment itself, remains within 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 it comes to using a lift truck, we should be concerned not just with the center of gravity of the load being lifted but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the load which is being picked up and 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 instance 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 many lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not centered properly, such as with non-symmetrical items, perhaps an engine for example, then great care and caution must be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
Moreover, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts each and every time the lift truck picks up a load. When the load is lifted, the center of gravity moves forward. Care has to be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in the stability triangle of the forklift. This occurs by following the numbers and not lifting 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 lifting the load, the load center moves forward too.
If the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained, the operator and all workers and pedestrians nearby could stay a lot safer. This will guarantee a balanced machine, balanced loads and safer for everyone.