Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is among the key basic operating considerations. One of the most difficult 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 should make certain that the center of gravity, that is created, along with the machinery and his load, remains in 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 must be concerned not only with the center of gravity of the load being lifted 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 load's center of gravity. In a uniform load situation, such as a bale for example, the load center can be more easily detected. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for instance, would have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is very common for a lot of smaller capacity lift trucks. However, if a load is not centered properly, like with items which are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for instance, then a lot of caution and care should be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.
The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, 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 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 lifting over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center must be considered. Be very careful whenever lifting the load, the load center also shifts forward.
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 would really guarantee a balanced equipment, balanced loads and safer for everybody.