Komatsu Gas Forklifts Los Angeles

Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle

The stability triangle and the center of gravity is amongst the important basic operating factors. Among 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

In order to describe it clearly, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When imaginary lines are drawn between these three points, the stability triangle is formed. The operator must make certain that the center of gravity, which is created, together with the equipment and his load, remains in the stability triangle in order 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 have to be concerned not just with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This comprises the load which is being picked up as well as the lift truck itself.



The load center is defined as the load's center of gravity. In a uniform load situation, like a bale for example, the load center could be more easily detected. Like for example, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, will have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for many lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not properly centered, such as with items which are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for instance, then a lot of care and caution have to be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.



In addition, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts every time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care has to be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity within the stability triangle of the forklift. This happens by following the numbers and not raisin more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center must be considered. Be very careful 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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