Komatsu Gas Forklifts San Francisco

Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle

The stability triangle and the center of gravity is among the key 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

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, combined with his load and the machinery itself, remains within 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 in regards to lift truck operation, 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 lift truck and the load it is picking up.



The load center is defined as the center of gravity of the load. In a uniform load situation, such as a bale for instance, the load center can be more easily detected. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for instance, will have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for lots of lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not correctly centered, such as with things that are not symmetrical, maybe an engine for instance, then great caution and care need to be taken in order to gauge the center of gravity.



Additionally, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts every time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. A lot of care needs to 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 more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. What's more, the load center must be considered. Be aware that whenever lifting the load, the load center moves forward also.



If the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained, the operator and all employees and pedestrians nearby could stay much safer. This would guarantee a balanced equipment, balanced loads and safer for everyone.

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