Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The center of gravity and the stability triangle is among the key basic operating considerations. Amongst the hardest things for an operator of a lift truck to determine is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity within their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
To explain it clearly, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When imaginary lines are drawn between these three points, the stability triangle is formed. The operator has to ensure that the center of gravity, that is made, combined with the equipment and his load, remains in 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 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 load that is being picked up and the lift truck itself.
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 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 numerous lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not correctly centered, like with non-symmetrical items, maybe an engine for example, then a lot of caution and care have to be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.
Moreover, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts each and every time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. A lot of care needs to be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity in the stability triangle of the forklift. This happens by following the numbers and not carrying over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center should be taken into consideration. Be aware that whenever lifting the load, the load center also moves forward.
The operator and everybody else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, can stay much safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This will truly guarantee balanced loads, a balanced machine and safer for everyone.