Komatsu Gas Forklifts Arlington

Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle

Among the important basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into account the center of gravity and the stability triangle. Amongst the most difficult things for a lift truck operator to determine is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity within their stability triangle.



The Stability Triangle

To explain it clearly, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When drawing imaginary lines between these three points, the stability triangle is created. The operator must ensure that the center of gravity, that is made, along with the machine and his load, remains within 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 lift truck operation, we need to be concerned not just with the center of gravity of the load being lifted 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 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 very common for numerous smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not correctly centered, like with non-symmetrical items, maybe an engine for instance, then a lot of care and caution must be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.



Additionally, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts each time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care has to be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in the stability triangle of the forklift. This happens 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 also.



If the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected, the operator and all workers and pedestrians nearby can stay much safer. This will ensure a balanced equipment, balanced loads and safer for everybody.

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