Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Amongst the key basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into account the stability triangle and the center of gravity. Amongst the most complicated things for a lift truck operator to judge is the significance 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 needs to ensure that the center of gravity, that is made, together with his load and the machine itself, remains within 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 in regards to utilizing 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 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 can be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, such as 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 lots of lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not properly centered, such as with items that are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for instance, then a lot of care and caution should be taken in order to estimate 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. When the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. A lot of care has to be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in the stability triangle of the forklift. This happens by following the numbers and not raisin over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center must be considered. Be aware that whenever lifting the load, the load center shifts forward also.
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 guarantee a balanced machine, balanced loads and safer for everybody.