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 complicated things for a lift truck operator to judge is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity in their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
To describe it simply, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When drawing imaginary lines between these three points, the stability triangle is formed. The operator has to ensure that the center of gravity, that is created, together 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 in regards to utilizing a lift truck, 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 comprises the load that is being picked up and the lift truck itself.
The load's center of gravity is defined as the load center. The load center can be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, such as a bale. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for example, will have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is very common for numerous smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not centered properly, like with items that are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for instance, then great caution and care should be taken in order to gauge the center of gravity.
Additionally, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts each and every time the lift truck picks up a load. When the load is lifted, the center of gravity moves forward. 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 carrying over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center needs to be taken into account. Be aware that whenever raising 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 employees and pedestrians close by can stay a lot safer. This will guarantee balanced loads, a balanced machine and safer for everyone.