Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The center of gravity and the stability triangle is one of the key basic operating factors. Amongst the most difficult things for a lift truck operator to judge is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity within their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
To describe it clearly, 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, combined 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 is the center of gravity defined? When it comes to lift truck operation, we must be concerned not just with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes 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, like for example a bale. Like for example, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, would have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is really common for lots of smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not properly centered, like with things that are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for example, then great 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, which shifts each and every time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. Care has to be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity within the forklift's stability triangle. This happens by following the numbers and not lifting more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center must be considered. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center shifts forward also.
The operator and everyone else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, can stay a lot safer if the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected. This would guarantee a balanced equipment, balanced loads and safer for everyone.