Komatsu Gas Forklifts Houston

Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle

Amongst the key basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into account the center of gravity and the stability triangle. One of the hardest things for an operator of a lift truck to determine is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity in their stability triangle.



The Stability Triangle

To explain 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 needs to ensure that the center of gravity, which is created, together with the machine and his load, remains in the stability triangle in order to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.



Centers of Gravity

How is the center of gravity defined? When it comes to utilizing a lift truck, we should be concerned not only with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the load that is being picked up as well as 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, like for instance a bale. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for example, would have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for numerous smaller capacity lift trucks. However, if a load is not properly centered, such as with non-symmetrical things, maybe an engine for example, then great caution and care must be taken in order to gauge the center of gravity.



Additionally, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts each time the lift truck carries a load. Once the load is raised, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care needs to be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in the stability triangle of the forklift. This occurs by following the numbers and not carrying over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center must be taken into consideration. Be very careful whenever lifting the load, the load center shifts forward also.



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 would truly guarantee balanced loads, a balanced machinery and safer for everybody.

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