Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The center of gravity and the stability triangle is one of the key basic operating considerations. One of the most complicated things for a lift truck operator to judge is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity in their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
To describe it simply, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When drawing imaginary lines between these three points, the stability triangle is formed. The operator should ensure that the center of gravity, that is made, combined with the machinery and his load, remains within 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 lift truck operation, we should be concerned not only with the center of gravity of the load being lifted 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 center of gravity of the load. In a uniform load situation, such as a bale for example, the load center can be more easily detected. Like for instance, 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. Then again, if a load is not properly centered, such as with things that are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for example, then great care and caution should be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, that shifts every time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is raised, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care has to be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity within the stability triangle of the forklift. This happens by following the numbers and not raisin more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center should be taken into account. Be really careful whenever raising the load, the load center shifts forward as well.
The operator and everyone else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, could stay much safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This would really guarantee balanced loads, a balanced equipment and safer for everyone.