Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is among the key basic operating factors. One of the hardest things for a lift truck operator to judge is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity in their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
To explain 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 needs to ensure that the center of gravity, which is made, combined with his load and the equipment itself, remains in the stability triangle to be able to guard against the forklift losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How is the center of gravity defined? When it comes to utilizing a lift truck, we should be concerned not only 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 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 example, will have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for many lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not correctly centered, such as with non-symmetrical things, perhaps an engine for instance, then great care and caution should be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.
The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, that shifts each and every time the lift truck carries a load. Once the load is raised, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care must be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in the stability triangle of the forklift. This happens by following the numbers and not raisin over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center must be taken into consideration. Be really 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, could stay a lot safer if the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected. This will really guarantee balanced loads, a balanced machine and safer for everyone.