Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is one of the important basic operating factors. Among the hardest things for a lift truck operator to determine is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity within 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 should make certain that the center of gravity, which is made, together with his load and the machinery itself, remains within the stability triangle to be able to guard against the forklift losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How do you define the center of gravity? When in regards to lift truck operation, we have to be concerned not just with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the load that is being picked up and the lift truck itself.
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, like for example a bale. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for instance, would have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is really common for a lot of lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not centered properly, such as with items which are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for instance, then great care and caution need to be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
In addition, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts each and every time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is raised, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care must be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity in 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 must be considered. 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 workers and pedestrians close by can stay much safer. This will ensure balanced loads, a balanced machine and safer for everybody.