Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is among the key basic operating factors. One of the hardest things for an operator of a lift truck to judge is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity in 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 should make sure that the center of gravity, which is made, together with his load and the machinery itself, remains in the stability triangle in order to guard against the forklift losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How is the center of gravity defined? When in regards to lift truck operation, we must be concerned not just with the center of gravity of the load being lifted but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the load that is being picked up and the lift truck itself.
The load's center of gravity is defined as the load center. The load center could be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, such as a bale. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for example, 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 non-symmetrical items, perhaps an engine for instance, then great caution and care have to be taken to be able 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 picks up a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity moves forward. A lot of care should be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity within 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. Also, the load center should be taken into consideration. Be aware that whenever lifting the load, the load center also moves forward.
If the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected, the operator and all employees and pedestrians close by could stay much safer. This would ensure balanced loads, a balanced machinery and safer for everyone.