Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Among the important basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into consideration the center of gravity and the stability triangle. Among the hardest things for a lift truck operator to determine is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity in 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 needs to ensure that the center of gravity, that is made, along with the machinery and his load, remains within the stability triangle in order 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 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, like a bale for instance, the load center could be more easily detected. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for example, would have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for numerous smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not centered properly, such as with non-symmetrical items, perhaps an engine for instance, then a lot of caution and care should be taken in order to gauge the center of gravity.
The lift truck has its own center of gravity, that shifts every time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity moves forward. A lot of care has to be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity within the stability triangle of the forklift. This occurs by following the numbers and not lifting over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center has to be considered. Be very careful whenever raising the load, the load center moves forward also.
The operator and everyone else who works in the nearby vicinity or close-by, could stay a lot safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This will guarantee a balanced machine, balanced loads and safer for everybody.