Komatsu Gas Forklifts Salem

Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle

The center of gravity and the stability triangle is one of the important basic operating factors. Among the hardest 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 describe it simply, a forklift has a 3-point suspension system. When imaginary lines are drawn between these three points, the stability triangle is formed. The operator must ensure that the center of gravity, that is created, along with his load and the equipment 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 it comes 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 load that is being picked up and the lift truck itself.



The load's center of gravity is defined as the load center. The load center can be more easily detected in a uniform load situation, like for instance a bale. Like for example, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, will have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for many smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not centered properly, like with items which are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for instance, then great care and caution must be taken in order to estimate the center of gravity.



Furthermore, the lift truck has it's own center of gravity. This shifts each and every time the lift truck picks up a load. When the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. A lot of care must be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity in the forklift's stability triangle. This happens by following the numbers and not carrying over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center must be considered. Be aware that whenever lifting the load, the load center also moves forward.



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

• Caterpillar IC Forklifts Salem
  In order to help you select the right Forklift Tire and Compound, we would ask you to think about the following things: kind of fuel utilized; weight of your standard load; typical length of your... More
• Daewoo Counterbalance Forklifts Salem
  Using a Regular Counterbalance lift truck 1 Perform a pre-shift check before operating the equipment. Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines state that a pre-shift checklist must be performed at the start of every work... More
• Nissan Electric Forklifts Salem
  Usually, electric forklifts are the best choice for indoor use in warehouses and manufacturing applications for 2 major reasons: First off they produce zero emissions. This is an extremely vital factor to take into account... More
• Hyster Narrow Aisle Forklifts Salem
  Hyster has a new ergonomically correct order picker which highlights an exceptional work station for the driver. It has a spacious platform, an anti-fatigue floor mat, a multi-function control handle and fixed-hoop rails. This kind... More
• Liebherr Construction Cranes Salem
  The Liebherr family business was created during the year 1949 by Hans Liebherr. The business first gained fame from its mobile tower crane which was well-known for its ease of assembly and affordability. It was... More