Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is amongst the key basic operating considerations. 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
In order to explain it simply, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When drawing imaginary lines between these three points, the stability triangle is formed. The operator should make sure that the center of gravity, that is created, together with his load and the machine itself, remains in the stability triangle to be able to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How do you define the center of gravity? When it comes to lift truck operation, we have to 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 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 could be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, like for instance a bale. Like for example, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, will have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for many smaller capacity lift trucks. However, if a load is not correctly centered, like with items which are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for example, then a lot of care and caution have to be taken in order to gauge the center of gravity.
The lift truck has its own center of gravity, that shifts each time the lift truck carries a load. Once the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. Care must 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 raisin more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center must be considered. Be aware that 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 can stay much safer. This will ensure a balanced equipment, balanced loads and safer for everybody.