Komatsu Gas Forklifts Fort Worth

Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle

The center of gravity and the stability triangle is among the key basic operating considerations. One of the hardest things for an operator of a lift truck to determine is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity within 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 make certain that the center of gravity, which is created, together with his load and the equipment itself, remains within the stability triangle to be able 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 utilizing 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 load that is being picked up and the lift truck itself.



The load center is defined as the load's center of gravity. In a uniform load situation, such as a bale for instance, the load center can be more easily detected. Like for instance, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, will have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is really common for many lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not centered correctly, such as with non-symmetrical things, maybe an engine for instance, then great caution and care should 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 and every time the lift truck picks up a load. When the load is raised, the center of gravity shifts forward. A lot of care needs to 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 very careful whenever lifting the load, the load center moves forward too.



If the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected, the operator and all employees and pedestrians close by could stay a lot safer. This will guarantee a balanced machine, balanced loads and safer for everyone.

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