Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
The stability triangle and the center of gravity is one of the key basic operating considerations. One of the hardest things for a lift truck operator to determine is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity in their stability triangle.
The Stability Triangle
In order to explain it simply, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When imaginary lines are drawn between these three points, the stability triangle is formed. The operator has to ensure that the center of gravity, which is created, together with the machinery and his load, remains within 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 using a lift truck, we should be concerned not only with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the lift truck as well as the load it is picking up.
The center of gravity of the load 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 many lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not properly centered, like with things that are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for example, then great care and caution must be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.
Additionally, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts each time the lift truck carries a load. Once the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. Care must be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity within the forklift's stability triangle. This occurs by following the numbers and not lifting over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center has to be considered. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center moves forward also.
The operator and everyone 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 a balanced equipment, balanced loads and safer for everybody.