Komatsu Gas Forklifts Oakland

Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle

The stability triangle and the center of gravity is among the important basic operating factors. Among 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 needs to ensure that the center of gravity, which is made, together with the machine and his load, 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 using a lift truck, we must be concerned not only with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the lift truck and the load it is picking up.



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 many lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not correctly centered, such as with items that are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for example, then great care and caution should be taken in order to gauge the center of gravity.



Furthermore, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts each time the lift truck carries a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity moves forward. A lot of care has to 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 lifting over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center needs to be considered. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center moves forward also.



The operator and everybody 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 will guarantee balanced loads, a balanced machinery and safer for everybody.

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