Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The center of gravity and the stability triangle is one of the key basic operating considerations. Amongst the hardest things for an operator of a lift truck to judge is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity within their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
In order to describe it simply, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When imaginary lines are drawn between these three points, the stability triangle is formed. The operator must ensure that the center of gravity, which is created, together with the equipment and his load, remains in the stability triangle in order 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 using a lift truck, we must 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 and the load it is picking up.
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, 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 many smaller capacity lift trucks. However, if a load is not centered correctly, like with non-symmetrical things, maybe an engine for instance, then great care and caution have to be taken to be able 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 carries a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity moves forward. A lot of care needs to be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in the stability triangle of the forklift. This occurs by following the numbers and not raisin over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center should be taken into account. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center moves forward as well.
If the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained, the operator and all employees and pedestrians close by could stay much safer. This would truly ensure balanced loads, a balanced equipment and safer for everybody.