Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Among the important basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into account the stability triangle and the center of gravity. Among the hardest things for an operator of a lift truck to judge is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity in their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
In order to describe it simply, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When imaginary lines are drawn between these three points, the stability triangle is formed. The operator should ensure that the center of gravity, which is created, combined with the machine and his load, remains within the stability triangle to be able to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How do you define the center of gravity? When in regards to utilizing a lift truck, 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 lift truck as well as the load it is picking up.
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, such as a bale. Like for instance, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, will have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for lots of smaller capacity lift trucks. However, if a load is not centered correctly, such as with non-symmetrical things, maybe an engine for example, then great care and caution have to be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.
Moreover, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts each time the lift truck carries a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity moves forward. Care should be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in the forklift's stability triangle. This occurs by following the numbers and not lifting more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center should be taken into consideration. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center also moves forward.
The operator and everyone else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, could stay much safer if the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected. This would truly ensure a balanced machinery, balanced loads and safer for everyone.