Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle
One of the important basic discussions about lift trucks is taking into consideration the stability triangle and the center of gravity. Amongst the hardest things for a lift truck operator to judge is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity in their stability triangle.

The Stability Triangle
To explain 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 has to ensure that the center of gravity, that is created, along with his load and the machinery itself, remains in the stability triangle to be able to prevent the forklift from losing balance and tipping over.

Centers of Gravity
How is the center of gravity defined? When in regards to utilizing a lift truck, we should be concerned not only with the load's center of gravity but as well with the combined center of gravity. This includes the load that is being picked up as well as 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 example, the load center could 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 is a common load center for numerous lift trucks with smaller capacity. However, if a load is not properly centered, like with non-symmetrical things, maybe an engine for instance, then great care and caution should be taken in order to gauge the center of gravity.

The lift truck has a center of gravity of its own, which shifts each time the lift truck carries a load. When the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. A lot of care has to be taken in order to maintain the center of gravity in the forklift's stability triangle. This happens by following the numbers and not lifting over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center should be taken into account. Be very careful whenever lifting the load, the load center shifts forward too.

If the center of gravity is maintained and the stability triangle is respected, the operator and all employees and pedestrians nearby could stay much safer. This will guarantee balanced loads, a balanced machine and safer for everyone.