Forklift Center Of Gravity Triangle

Because there is no load the center of gravity is nearly in the center of the forklift s counterbalance.

Forklift center of gravity triangle.

As such it s important to keep the center of gravity as close to the middle of the stability triangle as possible. The forklift s center the lift truck also has a center of gravity which shifts once the truck picks up a load. This triangle is measured from the centre of the rear axle to the centre of the front wheel tyres. When the load is lifted the center of gravity moves forward.

The reason that the centre of the rear axle is used is because the axle is only fastened to the chassis of the truck in the centre and is allowed to articulate in the case of four wheel trucks. When the lift truck s center of gravity falls within the perimeter of this triangle a load is safe to carry. Care must be taken to maintain the center of gravity within the stability triangle of the forklift by not lifting more than the maximum allowable given the load center. A forklift can tip over sideways if the center of gravity leaves the stability triangle.

The lateral stability affects carrying a load and it shifts when taking a corner too fast or making a sudden stop. Load center forklift stability triangle. When the load is lifted higher the center of gravity is as well. Understand the stability triangle an unloaded lift truck s center of gravity where the weight has equal concentration typically is higher than that of a personal vehicle.

Care must be taken to maintain the center of gravity within the stability triangle of the forklift by not lifting more than the maximum allowable given the load center. The load has its own center of gravity and once it s picked up a combined center of gravity between the load and truck is established. Always check your data plate for the information about the distance from the heel to the back of the forks outwards to the center of gravity. The triangle is shown again above for reference.

When the load is lifted the center of gravity moves forward. Stability triangle and center of gravity a forklift s center of gravity shifts based on how weight shifts on the forklift. Since the counterbalance weight doesn t move the weight operators must be concerned with the load s weight. You can also see on some forklifts how much you can lift and at what load centers.

Ready made training course for instructors earlier in this presentation the concept of a forklift stability triangle was introduced.