Komatsu Gas Forklifts Salt Lake City

Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle

Amongst the key basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into consideration the center of gravity and the stability triangle. One of the most difficult things for an operator of a lift truck 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 formed when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator should make sure that the center of gravity, that is made, along with the equipment and his load, remains within the stability triangle to be able to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.



Centers of Gravity

How do you define the center of gravity? 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 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 instance a bale. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for instance, will have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is very common for numerous lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not properly centered, like with non-symmetrical things, perhaps an engine for instance, then a lot of caution and care need to be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.



The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, which shifts every time the lift truck carries a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity moves forward. A lot of care should be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity within the stability triangle of the forklift. This happens by following the numbers and not lifting over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center should be considered. Be very careful whenever raising the load, the load center also moves forward.



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

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