Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
One of the key basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into consideration the stability triangle and the center of gravity. Amongst the hardest things for a lift truck operator to judge is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity within 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 needs to make sure that the center of gravity, that is made, combined with his load and the machine itself, remains within the stability triangle in order to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.
Centers of Gravity
How is the center of gravity defined? When in regards to utilizing a lift truck, we should be concerned not just with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the load which is being picked up as well as the lift truck itself.
The load's center of gravity is defined as the load center. The load center could be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, such as a bale. Like for instance, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, will have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is really common for many smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not correctly centered, like with non-symmetrical items, perhaps an engine for example, then great care and caution should be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
The lift truck has its own center of gravity, which shifts each and every time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. Care should be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in the forklift's stability triangle. This happens by following the numbers and not carrying over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center should be considered. Be very careful whenever lifting the load, the load center moves forward as well.
The operator and everybody else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, could stay a lot safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This will truly guarantee balanced loads, a balanced machine and safer for everybody.