Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is amongst the key basic operating factors. Amongst the hardest things for an operator of a lift truck to judge is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity in 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 needs to ensure that the center of gravity, that is made, along with the machinery and his load, remains in the stability triangle in order to guard against the forklift losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How do you define the center of gravity? 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 lift truck as well as 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, such as a bale. Like for example, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, 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 centered correctly, such as with things which are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for instance, then great care and caution should be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
Additionally, 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 lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care should be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity within the forklift's stability triangle. 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 should be considered. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center also shifts forward.
The operator and everyone else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, could stay a lot safer if the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected. This will ensure a balanced machinery, balanced loads and safer for everybody.