Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Amongst the important basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into account the center of gravity and the stability triangle. One of the most difficult 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
A forklift has a 3-point suspension system. The stability triangle is formed when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator needs to ensure that the center of gravity, which is made, combined with his load and the machine 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 it comes to lift truck operation, we have 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 as well as 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 could be more easily detected. Like for example, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, would have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for a lot of smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not centered correctly, like with items which are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for instance, then a lot of care and caution should be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.
The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, that shifts each time the lift truck picks up a load. Once 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 within the forklift's stability triangle. This occurs by following the numbers and not raisin more than 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 also moves forward.
If the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained, the operator and all workers and pedestrians nearby can stay much safer. This would truly guarantee balanced loads, a balanced equipment and safer for everyone.