Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is one of the key basic operating considerations. Amongst the most difficult things for an operator of a lift truck 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 formed when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator needs to make certain that the center of gravity, which is made, combined with the equipment 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 just with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the lift truck as well as the load it is picking up.
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. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for instance, would have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for lots of smaller capacity lift trucks. However, if a load is not centered correctly, such as with items that are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for instance, then great 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, that shifts each time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care should 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 over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center must 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 employees and pedestrians close by could stay much safer. This would guarantee a balanced machinery, balanced loads and safer for everybody.