Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is among the key basic operating factors. Amongst the hardest things for a lift truck operator to judge is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity within their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
A forklift has a 3-point suspension system. The stability triangle is created when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator has to make sure that the center of gravity, which is created, along with his load and the machine 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 in regards to lift truck operation, 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 which is being picked up and the lift truck itself.
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, such as a bale. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for instance, would have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for a lot of smaller capacity lift trucks. However, if a load is not centered properly, like with items which are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for instance, then a lot of caution and care should be taken in order to gauge the center of gravity.
The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, that shifts each and every time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. Care should be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in the forklift's stability triangle. This occurs by following the numbers and not lifting more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center needs to be considered. Be aware that whenever lifting the load, the load center shifts forward too.
The operator and everybody else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, can stay much safer if the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected. This will ensure balanced loads, a balanced machine and safer for everyone.