Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Amongst the important basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into consideration the center of gravity and the stability triangle. Amongst the hardest 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
In order 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 should ensure that the center of gravity, that is created, along with the machine and his load, remains in the stability triangle to be able to guard against the forklift losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How is the center of gravity defined? When it comes to utilizing a lift truck, we need to be concerned not just with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the load which 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. 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 many lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not properly centered, such as with non-symmetrical items, perhaps an engine for instance, then great care and caution need to be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.
The lift truck has its own center of gravity, that shifts each and every time the lift truck carries a load. Once 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 more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center must be taken into consideration. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center shifts forward as well.
The operator and everybody else who works in the nearby vicinity or close-by, could stay a lot safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This would ensure a balanced equipment, balanced loads and safer for everybody.