Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The center of gravity and the stability triangle is one of the important basic operating considerations. Among the hardest things for a lift truck operator to judge is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity within their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
In order 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 has to ensure that the center of gravity, that is made, combined with the equipment and his load, remains within 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 utilizing a lift truck, we must 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 which is being picked up and the lift truck itself.
The load's center of gravity 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 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. However, if a load is not correctly centered, like with items which are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for example, then great caution and care should be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.
Moreover, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts every time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is raised, the center of gravity shifts forward. A lot of care must be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity within the forklift's stability triangle. 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 consideration. Be really careful whenever lifting the load, the load center moves forward also.
If the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected, the operator and all employees and pedestrians close by can stay much safer. This will guarantee balanced loads, a balanced equipment and safer for everybody.