Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The center of gravity and the stability triangle is among the important basic operating factors. One of the hardest things for an operator of a lift truck to determine is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity in their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
A forklift has a 3-point suspension system. The stability triangle is formed when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator must ensure that the center of gravity, which is created, together with the machine and his load, 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 lift truck operation, we should be concerned not just with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the lift truck as well as the load it is picking up.
The load center is defined as the load's center of gravity. In a uniform load situation, such as a bale for example, the load center could be more easily detected. Like for instance, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, would have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is really common for lots of lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not centered properly, like with things which are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for instance, then great care and caution should be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.
Moreover, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts each time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is lifted, the center of gravity moves forward. A lot of care should be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity in the forklift's stability triangle. This happens by following the numbers and not carrying more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center has to be taken into consideration. Be very careful whenever lifting the load, the load center also moves forward.
If the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected, the operator and all workers and pedestrians nearby could stay a lot safer. This would really guarantee a balanced equipment, balanced loads and safer for everyone.