Komatsu Gas Forklifts Tucson

Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle

The center of gravity and the stability triangle is one of the important basic operating considerations. One of the most complicated things for a lift truck operator to judge 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 should ensure that the center of gravity, that is created, along with the machine 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 using a lift truck, we must be concerned not only with the center of gravity of the load being lifted but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the load that is being picked up and 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, such as a bale. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for instance, would have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is really common for many lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not centered properly, like with items that are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for instance, then great caution and care must be taken in order to gauge the center of gravity.



Moreover, 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 forklift's stability triangle. This occurs by following the numbers and not lifting more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center needs to be considered. Be really careful whenever lifting the load, the load center shifts forward also.



The operator and everybody else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, could stay much safer if the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected. This would really ensure a balanced machinery, balanced loads and safer for everyone.

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