Do you operate counterbalanced lift trucks? If so, you should learn about the concept of the forklift stability triangle. If a forklift operator wants to maintain the longitudinal, lateral, and dynamic stability of the machine, he should be able to easily find the center of gravity of the loaded truck. It is the operator’s responsibility to make sure that the center of gravity is always within this imaginary triangle that stretches from the front axle to the center of the steer axle during operation.
If you are a lift truck operator it is your responsibility to learn about things like forklift stability triangle and its importance. When you try to operate heavy machinery without appropriate knowledge it only leads to disaster. You can learn all about the load center of a forklift and forklift stability triangles in this guide.
Stability Triangle
Now you may be wondering just what is a stability triangle, well, usually counterbalanced forklifts are supported at their two front wheels and the center of the steer axle due to a 3-point forklift suspension system. This stability triangle of a forklift form when you consider that the three points are connected to each other in order to form a triangle. You can determine whether or not a load is safe to carry by ensuring that the center of gravity of the lift truck falls within this imaginary triangle’s perimeter
Without a load, the center of gravity of the truck is inside the triangle, in the center of the forklift’s counterbalance. But after adding weight to the forklift, you will notice that the center of gravity shifts more towards the front axle. If you keep adding weight and notice that the center of gravity has reached the front axle it means that you have over exceeded the load limit and it is now unsafe to carry. When you are carrying a load, you need to make sure that the center of gravity of the forklift is not at the edge of the stability triangle in order to avoid any accidents.
Things You Should Be Aware Of As A Lift Truck Operator
If you are a lift truck operator, you do not just need to worry about the longitudinal stability but also the lateral stability of the forklift. Make sure that the center of gravity never leaves the stability triangle on either of the two sides as well if you do not want your machine to overturn sideways. As the operator, you need to ensure that the center of gravity is as close as possible to the center of the forks.
Dynamic stability of the forklift is also something that you should take into consideration as a lift truck operator. If while operating machinery you are forced to take sudden turns, stops, starts, or tilts, it can shift the load that the machine is carrying. As a lift truck operator, you need to be careful and consider all of these possibilities and make sure that you keep the center of gravity of the forklift within the stability triangle, always.
If you are carrying a heavy load that brings the center of gravity of the forklift all the way to the front axle, the entire forklift might tip over entirely with just a slight nudge or a sudden break. Dynamic forces can make a seemingly stable load unstable. If the load shifts out of the stability triangle midway through the job, the chances of the forklift tipping over increase tenfold.