Forklifts are essential to any company that has an office or facility. They allow for quick transport of materials, which is why they’re so popular among businesses with storage areas on-site like restaurants and warehouses where forklift rentals can make life easier! But choosing a good one isn’t always easy – there’s plenty out there in terms of style (think: budget), manufacturer quality/ reputation etc., you just need your research skills working at full capacity when looking into these machines because every little detail counts if we want them running smoothly 24 hours per day 7 days week.
Stability is crucial to a forklift, and that’s exactly what we’re going to discuss in this post.
Most forklifts have a three-point suspension system. Each point is found over the two front wheels and one on the midway between the rear wheels. This is also where the stability triangle is formed.
The Stability Triangle
When the forklift’s center of gravity falls within the triangle, it only means that the load is safe to carry. On the other hand, when the truck has no load, its center of gravity is inside the triangle. As weight is added to the forks, the center of gravity shifts closer to the front axle. However, when the center of gravity reaches the edge of the triangle, that is when the load becomes unsafe to carry.
That said, a forklift’s stability is different from a car. And it gets even more complicated when weight is added and the load is raised in the air via a forklift.
This is due to the center of gravity, which is the combined center of gravity for the lift and load. Therefore, the heavier the weight and the higher you lift, the further forward the combined center of gravity goes.
How to Stay Safe When Operating a Forklift
Forklifts may seem easy to operate when you’re not the one behind the wheel, but the reality is that operators need to undergo training to use the truck safely.
Additionally, every forklift comes with an identification plate that contains important information about the truck, such as the model, serial number, weight, and load capacity.
To ensure that the center of gravity is within the stability triangle, it’s essential not to lift anything heavier than the ID plate allows.
It’s also good practice to inspect the forklift before using it. A pre-operation inspection is crucial, especially when the truck is used around the clock. It’s also smart to inspect it after shift.
Although it’s not required, having a checklist to ensure you don’t miss any steps during the inspection process will be extremely helpful. Here is a sample checklist you can follow:
- Check tire condition. For outdoor forklifts with pneumatic tires, check the air pressure and look for excessive wear on the tires.
- Check hoses, belts, and cables for cracks and other signs of wear.
- Check fluid levels.
- Check the engine for any signs of loose connections, wears, or leaks.
- Check for cracks or deformities in the backrest, forks, mast, and overhead guard.
- Check the ID plate and ensure it’s legible and intact.
Once the pre-operation inspection is done, a seated inspection is helpful as well.
- Make sure seat belt buckles are accessible and work properly.
- Check safety lights and other safety equipment.
- Start the engine while seated.
- Check all warning lights and gauges and the battery or fuel level.
- Lift and lower the forks and tilt the mast.
- Test the horn
- Check the brakes.
- Set and test the parking brake.
- Check the steering
- Move the forklift forward and set the parking brake. Get out of the truck to check the floor for leaks.
- Check for sparks or flames coming out of the exhaust system.
- Be mindful of any unusual sounds.
Indeed, forklift operation is a tricky process, and one should undergo proper training to be able to operate the truck safely.
How Manufacturers Improve Forklift Stability
Big names, such as Toyota, continue to develop new technologies to ensure their forklift trucks achieve a higher level of stability.
A good example is their use of their patented System of Active Stability (SAS) that takes over 3,000 readings per second for the detection of unsafe operating conditions,. When it detects a safety hazard, the SAS activates one of its two main features that help improve lateral and longitudinal forklift stability.
Another reputable manufacturer of lift trucks is Crown. Indeed, the manufacturer continues to rake in numerous awards for its technologies that enable them to make forklifts more efficient and safer.
For one, the company incorporates an Auto Positioning System that allows forklifts to take the most effective route to the next track location. Therefore, it controls the truck’s blend of lift and travel to optimize the time needed to reach and automatically stop at the rack location.
Another one is Crown’s C-5 Series that guarantees static and dynamic stability through their Intrinsic Stability System that is a combination of engineering, manufacturing, and integrated technology for better safety and performance.
Stability in Used Forklifts
Let’s say you plan to purchase used forklifts, yet you’re unsure whether it’s the best choice when it comes to its stability. There are many good quality used forklifts out there today, but in order to get the best one, you need to pay close attention to details.
Since this type of lift truck already has a history and its current state may not be the best, you really need to be mindful. Testing the lift truck thoroughly is one of the best things you can do as this will help you gauge how stable the truck is. Check its safety elements and tires as well.
Furthermore, you also need to consider how often you will use the truck. For example, if you need to use it daily for several hours, then it might be more ideal you get a new forklift instead.
Additionally, it’s a smart move to bring your mechanic to do an inspection. That way, you will know any underlying issues, and guarantee the truck’s stability.
You can use the checklist we listed in this post during the shopping process, especially when you plan to buy a used forklift.
And finally, getting a forklift from a reputable dealer should be your priority. With a reliable dealer, you can guarantee that you will only be given the best lift trucks that will last a long time.