Komatsu Gas Forklifts Salt Lake City

Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle

The center of gravity and the stability triangle is one of the important basic operating considerations. Among the most difficult things for a lift truck operator to determine 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 has to ensure that the center of gravity, that is created, together with his load and the machine 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 should be concerned not just with the center of gravity of the load being lifted 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 center of gravity of the load is defined as the load center. The load center could be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, like for example a bale. 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 a lot of smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not centered correctly, such as with things that are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for instance, then a lot of caution and care have to be taken in order to gauge the center of gravity.



In addition, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts each time the lift truck picks up a load. When the load is raised, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care needs to be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity within 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. As well, the load center should be taken into account. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center also shifts forward.



If the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained, the operator and all employees and pedestrians close by can stay a lot safer. This would guarantee balanced loads, a balanced equipment and safer for everybody.

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