Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The center of gravity and the stability triangle is among the important basic operating factors. Among the most complicated things for a lift truck operator to determine is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity in their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
A forklift has a 3-point suspension system. The stability triangle is created when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator must make certain that the center of gravity, that is created, combined with his load and the machine itself, remains in the stability triangle in order to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How do you define the center of gravity? When it comes to lift truck operation, we should be concerned not just with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the lift truck and the load it is picking up.
The center of gravity of the load is defined as the load center. The load center could be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, like for example a bale. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for instance, will have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is very common for numerous lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not centered correctly, such as with things that are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for example, then great care and caution have to be taken in order to gauge the center of gravity.
Moreover, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts each and every time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. Care has to be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity in the forklift's stability triangle. This happens by following the numbers and not carrying over 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 also.
The operator and everybody else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, can stay much safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This would guarantee a balanced equipment, balanced loads and safer for everyone.