Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The center of gravity and the stability triangle is one of the important basic operating considerations. 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 created. The operator must make certain that the center of gravity, that is created, combined with the machinery 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 is the center of gravity defined? When it comes to utilizing a lift truck, we need to be concerned not just with the center of gravity of the load being lifted 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 example a bale. Like for instance, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, will have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is very common for a lot of lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not centered correctly, such as with things which are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for instance, then great caution and care should be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
In addition, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts each time the lift truck picks up a load. When the load is raised, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care has to 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 raisin over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center must be taken into consideration. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center also shifts forward.
The operator and everyone else who works in the nearby vicinity or close-by, can stay much safer if the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected. This will ensure balanced loads, a balanced equipment and safer for everybody.