Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Amongst the key basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into consideration the stability triangle and the center of gravity. Amongst the hardest things for an operator of a lift truck to judge 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 created when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator should ensure that the center of gravity, which is made, along with the machine and his load, remains within the stability triangle in order to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How is the center of gravity defined? When it comes to utilizing a lift truck, we have to be concerned not just with the load's center of gravity 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 center is defined as the center of gravity of the load. In a uniform load situation, such as 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 a lot of smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not centered correctly, like with items which are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for example, then a lot of caution and care must be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.
Additionally, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts every time the lift truck carries a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. A lot of care must be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity within the stability triangle of the forklift. This occurs by following the numbers and not raisin 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 moves forward also.
The operator and everyone else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, could stay much safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This would ensure balanced loads, a balanced equipment and safer for everyone.