Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is among the key basic operating considerations. Amongst the hardest things for a lift truck operator to judge is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity within 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 has to ensure that the center of gravity, which is created, combined with his load and the equipment itself, remains within the stability triangle in order to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How is the center of gravity defined? When in regards to lift truck operation, we should 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 which is being picked up as well as the lift truck itself.
The load center is defined as the load's center of gravity. In a uniform load situation, such as a bale for instance, the load center could be more easily detected. 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 properly, such as with non-symmetrical things, maybe an engine for instance, then a lot of caution and care need to be taken in order to gauge the center of gravity.
The lift truck has its own center of gravity, which shifts each time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. A lot of care should be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity in the forklift's stability triangle. This occurs by following the numbers and not lifting over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center needs to be taken into consideration. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center moves forward too.
The operator and everyone else who works in the nearby vicinity or close-by, can 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.