To ensure that safety is a top priority, there are 5 important steps. In order to make certain that the model is visually safe, the first step is to perform a Walk-Around Inspection. After that check if the work location is safe to use with a Worksite Assessment. The Function Test is the third step so as to determine whether or not the model is working in a safe way. The 4th thing to consider is Proper Operation, in order to know whether or not the unit is working safely. Last of all, Proper Shutdown should be checked so as to make certain the model is capable of shutting down properly and is in a safe place.
At the center of the 5 steps and this regulation, there is a machinery which stands on a triangular footprint and lifts heavy weights to impressive heights. The main objective is to be able to keep the telehandler upright, but of course there are dangers.
The triangular base of the telehandler consists of the rear-axle pivot point and the two front wheels. The rear axles normally oscillates, thus the rear wheels are not considered part of the base. The telehandler remains upright as long as the machine's center of gravity, that is defined as the point in 3 dimensions around which the equipment's weight is balanced, stays oriented inside the stability triangle.
When the boom is down, adding a load to the forks at that same time changes the center of gravity forward and down. Lifting the load would move the center of gravity upwards and to the rear. At the same time, the stability triangle shrinks when this happens. Thus, the higher you lift a load, the less of a margin for error you have as the stability triangle lessens.
When the stability triangle is small, it leaves less room for the center of gravity to move right or left. It is this wandering action that could change the stability triangle and leave less room for the frame to remain balanced if it is not completely level. For instance, imagine the center of gravity resembling a plumb bob hanging from the boom. You would always be able to find the center of gravity somewhere on a totally vertical line between the center of the ground and a point on the boom. If the frame is not level, the center of gravity would not be oriented over the centerline of the machinery. The stability triangle is continuously aligned with the centerline of the machine.