Komatsu Gas Forklifts Mesa

Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle

Amongst the important basic discussions with lift trucks is taking into account the center of gravity and the stability triangle. Among the hardest things for an operator of a lift truck to judge is the significance 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 make sure that the center of gravity, which is made, combined 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 in regards to using a lift truck, we must be concerned not just 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 example 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 lots of smaller capacity lift trucks. Then again, if a load is not centered properly, like with items that are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for example, then a lot of care and caution should be taken to be able to gauge the center of gravity.



The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, that shifts every time the lift truck picks up a load. Once the load is raised, the center of gravity moves forward. A lot of care must be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity within the forklift's stability triangle. This happens by following the numbers and not raisin more than the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. As well, the load center needs to be considered. Be aware that whenever lifting the load, the load center moves forward also.



If the stability triangle is respected and the center of gravity is maintained, the operator and all employees and pedestrians close by could stay a lot safer. This would guarantee a balanced machinery, balanced loads and safer for everybody.

• Manitou LP Forklift Mesa
  Lift trucks work by lifting their load on forks that are located in front of the carrier. These forks point outwards, away from the cab of the machine. Sometimes, the cargo can obstruct the field... More
• TCM Propane Forklifts Mesa
  Forklift Tank Safety One of the most popular kinds of lift trucks available on the market these days is a propane-powered lift truck. The propane utilized to fuel these machines has several properties which should... More
• Jungheinrich Lifts Mesa
  The material handling corporation Jungheinrich manufactures and provides more than 600 different machinery varying from lift trucks, order pickers and pallet trucks. We provide a huge range of solutions for any operation regardless of lifting... More
• Yale Duel Fuel Forklifts Mesa
  Optional Accessories for Your Forklift Audible Devices - Motion or back-Up Alarms: Back-up alarms and motion alarms are audio device accessories that produce enough sound so that the sound is heard overtop the sounds generated... More
• Skytrak Zoom Boom Mesa
  There are 5 models varying in range capacity, reach capacity and lift height. Everyday you would be turning corners on job performance and attaining new goals. These types of machinery would keep functioning job after... More