Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The center of gravity and the stability triangle is amongst the important basic operating considerations. One of the most complicated 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 has to make sure that the center of gravity, which is created, together with his load and the equipment 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 utilizing a lift truck, we need to be concerned not only with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the lift truck and the load it is picking up.
The load center is defined as the center of gravity of the load. In a uniform load situation, such as a bale for instance, the load center can be more easily detected. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for instance, will have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for a lot of lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not centered properly, like with things which are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for instance, then a lot of care and caution have to be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.
Moreover, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts each and every time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. A lot of care must 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 carrying more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center must be considered. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center shifts forward as well.
If the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained, the operator and all workers and pedestrians nearby could stay much safer. This will guarantee balanced loads, a balanced machine and safer for everyone.