Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Amongst the important basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into account the stability triangle and the center of gravity. Amongst 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
A forklift has a 3-point suspension system. The stability triangle is created when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator should ensure that the center of gravity, which is created, together with his load and the equipment itself, remains within the stability triangle to be able to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How do you define the center of gravity? When it comes 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 lift truck and 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 instance, 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 load center is really common for lots of smaller capacity lift trucks. However, if a load is not centered correctly, such as with items which are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for example, then great caution and care need to be taken in order to gauge the center of gravity.
Furthermore, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts every time the lift truck carries a load. When 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 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 must be considered. Be aware that whenever raising 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 nearby can stay a lot safer. This would truly ensure a balanced machine, balanced loads and safer for everyone.