All forklift trucks have a corresponding maximum load capacity at their specific height and load centre. Therefore, in order to ensure balance during transport loading and unloading, we need to understand the load centre of gravity of the forklift truck.

What is a load centre?

The centre of load is the distance between the vertical plane of the forklift fork and the centre of gravity of the load. This centre shows where the load should be placed to maintain the balance of the forklift when lifting heavy pallets. The stable centre of gravity of the forklift truck helps to ensure that the load is safe and stable.

Vertical and horizontal load centres are assigned to the forklift truck so that you can calculate the exact size of the pallet that needs to be centred. Depending on safety requirements, these load centres are usually assigned to 24, 36 or 48 inches. In the United States, forklifts typically have 24-inch load centres.

Why are stability and load centres important?

The core of safe forklift operation is for the driver to comply with the safety requirements, i.e. to pay attention to the center of the load when loading and unloading the transport and to keep the goods in the center to prevent the forklift from tipping over. In addition, doing so increases efficiency. Focusing on balancing the load center of the forklift, improving the stability of the machine and centering the load will improve forklift operation and the productivity of the business will increase significantly.

How does determine the load centre of a forklift truck?

The process of finding the load centre of a forklift truck is simple. Look at the information on the forklift nameplate. It will tell you: 1. Distance from load centre 2. Vertical mast 3. Tilt to the right 4. Height

When you stack loads evenly, such as pallets, the centre of the load will be in the middle of the load. So for a 1000 mm load, the load centre will be 500 mm. According to the information on the nameplate, you should also bear in mind the limiting height and length of the load. In addition, a load that exceeds the specified load centre distance can only be lifted if the load is well below the limit weight.

In addition, we need to pay attention to the following four points during the operation of the forklift truck in order to better ensure the stability of the body and avoid accidents:

1. Stable triangle

Keeping the centre of gravity of the forklift inside the stabilising triangle is one of the tough things for operators to learn during training.

Forklifts use a three-point suspension system. These three points are located midway between the two loaded wheels and the rear wheel. When these points are connected via imaginary lines, a stability triangle is created. Therefore, in order to avoid tip-overs, the operator must ensure that the combined centre of gravity of the forklift and the load is always located within the stability triangle.

According to current data, rollover is a common form of forklift accident, accounting for 24 per cent of all accidents. The centre of gravity may move outside the triangle due to factors such as imbalance or heavy loads. In addition, carrying large loads and travelling on uneven or sloping terrain may be additional causes of accidents.

2. Centre of gravity of the load

It is vital to be aware of the centre of gravity of the loads you are lifting. It is also important to consider their combined centre of gravity.

When the load is not centred, such as an engine or other asymmetrical item, you must be careful in estimating the centre of gravity. On the other hand, the centre of gravity of a large load may be much farther away than the centre of gravity of an average 24-inch load.

Therefore, the nameplate on your lift forklift will tell you what the lifting capacity is, given the particular load height and load centre. If your load centre exceeds the load centre of the forklift's ultimate lifting capacity, your lifting capacity will be significantly reduced.

3. Forklift centre of gravity

Lift trucks also have a centre of gravity that moves when the load is lifted. When the load is lifted, the centre of gravity moves forward.

To ensure that the forklift truck's centre of gravity always lies within a stable triangle, care must be taken that the centre of the load being lifted does not exceed the permissible limit.

4. Operate in a safe environment

Safe driving comes from safe operation. When working with a forklift, you need to be careful to keep heavy loads in a low position. Be alert when stopping, turning and starting, in addition to not forgetting to fasten your seat belt!

Always use extreme caution on slopes, ramps or other uneven terrain. Never lift or turn heavy objects on uneven surfaces. In this case, your centre of gravity will quickly migrate outside the stability triangle.

Also, you need to pay attention to the direction of your forks when traveling. When traveling down a ramp with no load, your forks should always point downhill. When carrying a load, on the other hand, the forks should always point towards the top of the ramp to avoid dropping the load.

When operating a forklift, do not attempt to jump out of the vehicle if it begins to tip over. According to research, it is better practice to remain inside the vehicle and fall in the direction of the vehicle. Alternatively, you can brace your feet on and hold onto the steering wheel to maintain a safe position inside the vehicle.