Komatsu Gas Forklifts Houston

Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle

Amongst the key basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into account the center of gravity and the stability triangle. One of the hardest things for a lift truck operator 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 created when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator should ensure that the center of gravity, that is created, along with his load and the machine itself, 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 lift truck operation, we should be concerned not just with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the lift truck and the load it is picking up.



The load center is defined as the center of gravity of the load. In a uniform load situation, such as a bale for instance, the load center could be more easily detected. Like for instance, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, would have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for numerous smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not centered correctly, such as with non-symmetrical items, maybe an engine for example, then great caution and care should 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. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care should be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity in 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 lifting the load, the load center shifts forward as well.



The operator and everyone else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, could stay much safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This would ensure balanced loads, a balanced machine and safer for everyone.

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