Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is amongst the important basic operating factors. Among the hardest things for a lift truck operator to determine 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 created. The operator must ensure that the center of gravity, that is made, combined with his load and the equipment itself, remains within 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 in regards to lift truck operation, we have to be concerned not only with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the lift truck as well as the load it is picking up.
The load center is defined as the load's center of gravity. In a uniform load situation, like a bale for example, the load center could be more easily detected. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for instance, would have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is very common for numerous smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not correctly centered, such as with non-symmetrical things, maybe an engine for instance, then great caution and care must be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
Moreover, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts each time the lift truck carries a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care has to be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in 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. As well, the load center must be taken into account. Be very careful whenever raising the load, the load center also shifts forward.
The operator and everyone else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, could stay a lot safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This will truly guarantee a balanced machinery, balanced loads and safer for everybody.