Forklift stability is based on
keeping the center of gravity
inside what’s called the stability triangle. This stability triangle is made by connecting the two front wheels and the pivot point of the rear axle. The other concept to understand is the forklift’s center of gravity.
What are the 3 points of a forklift that make up the stability triangle?
There’s the weight of the load itself and the counterbalance weight located in the engine. This weight is distributed on three points—
the front two wheels and the pivot point on the back axel
—forming an imaginary “triangle.” This is the stability triangle of the forklift.
What parts of a forklift from the stability triangle?
What is the stability triangle? Most counterbalanced forklifts have a three-point suspension system, meaning that the truck is
supported at the two front wheels and the center of the steer axle
. If you imagine all three points connected into a triangle, this is the forklift’s stability triangle.
What are the supporting points of the stability triangle on a lift truck?
Lift trucks are built on three-point suspension systems, the physics of which resemble a triangle. Support points
lie at both ends of the front axle, with another located at the center of the rear axle
. Together, this forms a “stability triangle” that operators must stay within when the truck is in motion.
Where is the center of gravity on an unloaded forklift?
Let’s look at the center of gravity. An unloaded forklift’s center of gravity is
between the axle of the steer wheels at A and the drive wheels at B-C
. When the forklift is unloaded, the location of the center of gravity is the only factor for determining stability.
What are the three major points of the stability triangle?
The three points are
the two front wheels and the pivot point of the rear axle
. Connect the three points, and you have what’s called the stability triangle.
Is a forklift more stable with or without a load?
When a load is raised, the
lift truck is less stable
. … Attend the controls of the forklift truck when a load is elevated. In other words, the operator must stay on the forklift when the load is in a raised position.
What will make the load more stable during travel?
When traveling with a load, always make sure
to tilt the mast of the forklift backward
so that the load will firmly place against the backrest to make it more secure during transport. By doing this, you move the center of gravity towards to rear of the forklift making it more secure when traveling.
Which side of the forklift is supporting more weight?
The front axle is the fulcrum of the forklift where the counterweight and the load find balance. The only major difference between a forklift and a seesaw is that
the forklift counterweight
should always provide more force than the load so the forklift does not tip forward.
When picking up a load it should be tilted?
- Ensure the load is secured before moving.
- Carefully tilt the mast backward to stabilize the load. [ …
- Slowly move the truck to 20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 inches) away from the stack.
- Stop the truck.
What will reduce the stability of a moving forklift?
- Handling of suspended or live loads. …
- Turning with an elevated load. …
- Traversing a slope or uneven ground. …
- Insecure loads or overloading. …
- 01246 555222.
How is forklift stability calculated?
- Divide the load center as stated on the data plate by the actual load center (in the example above, that would be 24/36=. 6666).
- Multiply this result by the rated load capacity (4000X. 6666=2666.6).
What precautions must be taken to prevent carbon monoxide buildup in forklift areas?
- Install an effective ventilation system.
- Maintain appliances in good working order. …
- Prohibit altogether the use of gasoline-powered tools or engines in enclosed areas.
What will happen if the combined center of gravity of the forklift and the load move outside the stability triangle?
If the combined center of gravity moves outside of the stability triangle,
the forklift tends to tip sideways
. Factors that cause a forklift to tip sideways are: Excessive speed while turning. Turning with an elevated mast.
How often should operators inspect their forklift?
How often does a forklift have to be inspected? OSHA requires that forklift vehicles have to be inspected
at least daily, or after each shift when used around the clock
. You will find this requirement in the Powered Industrial Truck standard at 1910.178(q)(7).
What is the balance point of a forklift?
On a sit-down counterbalanced forklift, the fulcrum or pivot point is
the axle of the front wheels
.