Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Among the key basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into account the stability triangle and the center of gravity. One of the hardest things for a lift truck operator to determine is the significance 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 needs to make certain that the center of gravity, that is made, combined with the equipment and his load, 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 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 that is being picked up and the lift truck itself.
The load center is defined as the load's center of gravity. In a uniform load situation, such as a bale for instance, the load center can be more easily detected. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for example, will have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is very common for lots of smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not properly centered, such as with things which are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for instance, then great caution and care should be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.
The lift truck has its own center of gravity, which shifts each and every time the lift truck carries a load. Once the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. Care needs to be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity within the stability triangle of the forklift. This occurs by following the numbers and not carrying more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center should be considered. Be aware that 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 stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This will guarantee a balanced equipment, balanced loads and safer for everybody.