Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Amongst the important basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into account the center of gravity and the stability triangle. Amongst the most complicated things for a lift truck operator to determine is the significance 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 drawing imaginary lines between these three points, the stability triangle is created. The operator has to make sure that the center of gravity, which is created, along with the machinery and his load, remains in the stability triangle in order to guard against the forklift losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How do you define the center of gravity? When in regards to lift truck operation, we should be concerned not only with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the lift truck and the load it is picking up.
The center of gravity of the load 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 instance, 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. However, if a load is not properly centered, such as with items which are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for instance, then great caution and care have to be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
Additionally, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts each 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 in order to maintain the center of gravity within the stability triangle of the forklift. This happens by following the numbers and not carrying more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center must be considered. Be very careful whenever lifting the load, the load center also moves forward.
The operator and everybody else who works in the nearby vicinity or close-by, can stay a lot safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This will really guarantee a balanced machinery, balanced loads and safer for everybody.