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16th Mar 2019
Question: Any Tips For Forklift Stability During Operations?
Load stability is based on the concept of the center of gravity. The forklift is normally assumed to be a cube with its center of gravity concentrated at the center. However, according to science, this center of gravity can easily be shifted by any load on the forklift as the new center of gravity becomes the combined weight of the forklift and the load. You can, therefore, make the load more stable by following these tips.
Avoid overloading
As stated earlier the center of gravity of a forklift usually shifts when a load is added on to it. If the load is more than what is recommended in the load capacity plate then the center of gravity will shift to the point of a tip over. Therefore always make sure the load on the forklift is within the recommended weight limits to preserve stability.
Adjust Longer Loads
Not every load is created equal, some come either with a very substantial height or are multi-tiered. Carrying such a load is sometimes equivalent to traveling with a load elevated as it shifts the center of gravity upwards making the forklift unstable. One of the major things you can do to avoid this is to balance the load on the forklift in a way that lowers the center of gravity. You should also reduce it's height if it's a multi-tiered load.
Handle only Stable load
Many times you will have to carry a load that is not evenly shaped and therefore quite unstable. Uneven loads usually have their weight unevenly distributed which makes the center of gravity of the forklift shift in a manner that makes it quite unstable. Something else you can try is to arrange the load on the forklift in a way that evenly distributes its weight to give it some balance.
Adjust Mast Position
The mast can also be a very vital tool in ensuring that a loaded forklift is very stable. One of the ways you can use it towards this end is by tilting it back so that it rests on the load carriage. This position is effective for shifting the position of the center of gravity for more stability. In most cases, it is advisable to travel with the load with the mast tilted back.
Don't Travel with Elevated Load.
One sure way to shift the center of gravity of a forklift is to elevate its load. What this normally does is that it shifts the center of gravity upwards and forwards making the forklift very unstable. If you travel with the forklift in this way it becomes very unstable and at risk of a tip over. Therefore always lower the load as much as possible with 4 -6 inches above the ground being a recommended threshold.
Since load stability basically relies on the position of the center of gravity you can never go wrong with these tips. Avoid traveling with the load elevated and always balance any uneven or longer load. Discourage overloading the forklift and tilt the mast is occasions when you need to shift the combined center of gravity of the forklift and load to a more stable position.
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