Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
One of the important basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into account the center of gravity and the stability triangle. One of the hardest things for a lift truck operator to judge is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity in their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
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 must ensure that the center of gravity, which is made, together with his load and the machinery itself, remains in 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 in regards to lift truck operation, we must be concerned not just with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the load which is being picked up as well as 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, 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, such as with items that 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.
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. Care should be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity in the forklift's stability triangle. This happens by following the numbers and not lifting more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center needs to be considered. Be aware that whenever lifting the load, the load center shifts forward too.
If the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained, the operator and all employees and pedestrians close by could stay a lot safer. This will ensure a balanced machine, balanced loads and safer for everyone.