Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
One of the important basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into account the stability triangle and the center of gravity. One of the most difficult things for an operator of a lift truck to determine is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity within their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
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 make sure that the center of gravity, that is created, combined with his load and the machinery itself, remains in the stability triangle to be able to guard against the forklift losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How do you define the center of gravity? When it comes 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 includes 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, like for instance a bale. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for example, would have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is very common for many smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not correctly centered, like with non-symmetrical things, perhaps an engine for instance, then a lot of care and caution must be taken in order to gauge the center of gravity.
Additionally, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts each time the lift truck carries a load. When 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 happens by following the numbers and not raisin more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center should be taken into consideration. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center also moves forward.
The operator and everybody else who works in the nearby vicinity or close-by, could stay a lot safer if the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected. This would ensure a balanced machine, balanced loads and safer for everybody.