Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is one of the key basic operating factors. Amongst the most complicated things for an operator of a lift truck to determine is the significance 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 must ensure that the center of gravity, that is made, combined with the machine and his load, remains in the stability triangle to be able to guard against the forklift losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How do you define the center of gravity? When it comes to lift truck operation, 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 load that 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. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for example, will have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is really common for a lot of smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not properly centered, like with non-symmetrical items, maybe an engine for instance, then a lot of care and caution should be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.
The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, that shifts every time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. A lot of care should be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity within the forklift's stability triangle. This occurs by following the numbers and not carrying more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center must be taken into consideration. Be very careful whenever lifting the load, the load center also shifts forward.
If the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected, the operator and all employees and pedestrians nearby could stay much safer. This would truly guarantee a balanced machine, balanced loads and safer for everybody.