Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
Amongst the key basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into consideration the stability triangle and the center of gravity. Among the most difficult things for an operator of a lift truck to judge is the significance 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 created when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator must ensure that the center of gravity, that is made, combined with his load and the machinery itself, 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 lift truck operation, we need to 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 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, like for instance a bale. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for example, would have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is very common for many lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not centered properly, like with things which are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for instance, then great care and caution have to be taken to be able to gauge 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 lifted, the center of gravity moves forward. Care must be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity in the stability triangle of the forklift. This occurs by following the numbers and not raisin over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center should be considered. Be very careful whenever raising the load, the load center also moves forward.
The operator and everyone else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, could stay a lot safer if the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected. This would really ensure a balanced machine, balanced loads and safer for everybody.