Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The center of gravity and the stability triangle is amongst the important basic operating factors. Amongst the hardest things for an operator of a lift truck to determine is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity within their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
In order 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 must ensure that the center of gravity, that is created, along with the machine and his load, remains within the stability triangle in order 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 using 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 comprises 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, like a bale for instance, the load center can be more easily detected. Like for example, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, will have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for many smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not correctly centered, like with things that are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for example, then great caution and care need to be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
In addition, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts every time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care needs to be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in the stability triangle of the forklift. This occurs by following the numbers and not carrying more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center has to be taken into account. Be aware that whenever lifting the load, the load center shifts forward also.
The operator and everybody else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, could stay a lot safer if the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected. This will truly guarantee balanced loads, a balanced machinery and safer for everybody.