Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The center of gravity and the stability triangle is one of the important basic operating factors. Among the most difficult things for a lift truck operator to determine is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity within their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
In order to describe it clearly, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When drawing imaginary lines between these three points, the stability triangle is formed. The operator must ensure that the center of gravity, that is created, together with his load and the machine itself, remains within the stability triangle to be able 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 must be concerned not only with the center of gravity of the load being lifted but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the load that 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, like a bale for instance, the load center could be more easily detected. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for instance, will have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is very common for many smaller capacity lift trucks. However, if a load is not centered properly, such as with non-symmetrical things, maybe an engine for instance, then great care and caution have to be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, which shifts every time the lift truck picks up a load. When the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care needs 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 carrying more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center must be considered. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center also shifts forward.
If the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained, the operator and all workers and pedestrians close by could stay a lot safer. This would ensure balanced loads, a balanced machine and safer for everyone.