Komatsu Gas Forklifts Portland

Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle

The stability triangle and the center of gravity is amongst the important basic operating factors. One of the hardest things for an operator of a lift truck to judge is the importance of maintaining their center of gravity in their stability triangle.



The Stability Triangle

A forklift has a 3-point suspension system. The stability triangle is formed when imaginary lines are drawn between these three points. The operator needs to ensure that the center of gravity, which is created, together with his load and the equipment itself, 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 must be concerned not only 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, such as a bale for example, the load center could be more easily detected. A uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, for instance, will have the load center at 24 inches. This is a common load center for many lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not properly centered, such as with non-symmetrical things, perhaps an engine for example, then great care and caution should 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 carries a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity moves forward. Care must be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity within the stability triangle of the forklift. This occurs by following the numbers and not carrying more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center needs to be taken into consideration. Be really careful whenever raising the load, the load center shifts forward as well.



If the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected, the operator and all employees and pedestrians nearby can stay a lot safer. This will truly ensure a balanced equipment, balanced loads and safer for everyone.

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