Komatsu Gas Forklifts Fresno

Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle

The stability triangle and the center of gravity is one of the important basic operating considerations. One of the most complicated things for a lift truck operator to determine is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity within their stability triangle.



The Stability Triangle

In order to explain it clearly, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When drawing imaginary lines between these three points, the stability triangle is created. The operator should ensure that the center of gravity, that is created, combined with his load and the equipment itself, remains within the stability triangle to be able to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.



Centers of Gravity

How do you define the center of gravity? When in regards to lift truck operation, we must be concerned not just with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the load which is being picked up and the lift truck itself.



The load center is defined as the center of gravity of the load. In a uniform load situation, like a bale for instance, the load center can 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 load center is very common for many lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not centered correctly, such as with things that are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for example, then great care and caution have to be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.



In addition, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts each time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care must be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity in the stability triangle of the forklift. This happens by following the numbers and not lifting over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center needs to be considered. Be aware that whenever raising the load, the load center shifts forward too.



The operator and everyone else who works close-by or in the nearby vicinity, can stay a lot safer if the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained. This will truly ensure a balanced machinery, balanced loads and safer for everyone.

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