Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
One of the important basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into account the center of gravity and the stability triangle. One of the most difficult things for a lift truck operator to determine is the importance 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 needs to make sure that the center of gravity, which is made, combined with his load and the machine itself, remains within the stability triangle in order to guard against the forklift losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How is the center of gravity defined? When in regards 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 includes the lift truck and the load it is picking up.
The load's center of gravity is defined as the load center. The load center could be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, like for example a bale. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for example, would have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for numerous lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not correctly centered, such as with things which are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for instance, then great caution and care must be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.
Moreover, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts each and every time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity moves forward. A lot of care needs to 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. Also, the load center should be taken into account. Be really careful whenever lifting the load, the load center shifts forward too.
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 would ensure balanced loads, a balanced machine and safer for everybody.