Komatsu Gas Forklifts El Paso

Forklift Operation - Maintaining the Stability Triangle

The stability triangle and the center of gravity is one of the key basic operating factors. One of the hardest things for a lift truck operator to judge is the significance of maintaining their center of gravity within 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 must make sure that the center of gravity, that is created, combined with the machinery and his load, remains in the stability triangle to be able 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 lift truck as well as the load it is picking up.



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 instance, a uniform load on a 48 inch long pallet, would have the load center at 24 inches. This load center is very common for many lift trucks with smaller capacity. Then again, if a load is not centered correctly, like with items which are not symmetrical, perhaps an engine for example, then a lot of caution and care need to be taken to be able to estimate the center of gravity.



In addition, the lift truck has a center of gravity of its own. This shifts each time the lift truck carries a load. Once the load is lifted, the center of gravity shifts forward. Care must be taken to be able to maintain the center of gravity in the forklift's stability triangle. This occurs by following the numbers and not carrying over the maximum allowable, given the center of the load. Also, the load center should be considered. Be very careful whenever raising the load, the load center also shifts forward.



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

• Snorkel Aerial Work Platforms El Paso
  Snorkel is among the best global manufacturers of aerial work platforms. The company offers a comprehensive array of aerial lifts in an effort to provide safe and efficient industrial lifting machinery which range for approximately... More
• Mitsubishi Counterbalance Forklifts El Paso
  Workplace accidents and injuries on construction sites unfortunately occur more frequently than anyone would like. Based on statistics, a huge majority of these incidents happen because of inadequate or wholly absent protocols and safety training.... More
• Terex Construction Cranes El Paso
  City Cranes The term "City Crane" refers to a small 2-axle mobile crane that is designed to be utilized specifically in tight places where regular cranes could not venture. These city cranes are great choices... More
• Jungheinrich Narrow Reach Forklifts El Paso
  Lift Truck Battery Safety The power to run electric lift trucks is supplied by huge industrial batteries that need to be charged regularly and maintained properly. Safety measures should always be followed while someone connects... More
• Lull Zoom Boom El Paso
  Lull Telehandlers Since the year 1959, Lull has been producing telehandlers. Their machines have been made for load placement with their patented Stabil-Trak stability system. This particular system provides much more accurate placement capabilities. Lull... More