Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is amongst the important basic operating considerations. 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 needs to make certain that the center of gravity, which is made, combined with the equipment and his load, remains in 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 it comes 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 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 can 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, will have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for many lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not correctly centered, like with items that are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for example, then a lot of care and caution should be taken in order to gauge the center of gravity.
Additionally, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts every time the lift truck picks up a load. When the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. A lot of care must be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity in the forklift's stability triangle. This occurs by following the numbers and not carrying more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center should be considered. Be really careful whenever lifting the load, the load center moves forward too.
The operator and everyone else who works in the nearby vicinity or close-by, can stay a lot safer if the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected. This will guarantee a balanced machinery, balanced loads and safer for everyone.