There are 5 key steps to making certain that safety is a main concern. The first step is completing a Walk-Around Inspection to be able to assure that the model is visually safe. Then assess if the work place is safe to operate in with a Worksite Assessment. The Function Test is the third step in order to know whether or not the unit is functioning in a safe way. The 4th thing to take into account is Proper Operation, in order to know whether or not the unit is safely working. Lastly, Proper Shutdown must be checked so as to make certain the unit is capable of shutting down properly and is in a safe place.
At the center of the 5 steps and this regulation, there is a machine which stands on a triangular footprint and lifts heavy weights to impressive heights. The key goal is to keep the telehandler upright, but surely there are risks.
The telehandler's triangular base consists of the two front wheels and the rear-axle pivot point. The rear axles often oscillates, hence the rear wheels are not considered part of the base. The telehandler remains upright so long as the center of gravity of the machine, which is defined as the point in 3 dimensions around which the weight of the equipment is balanced, stays oriented in the stability triangle.
When the boom is down, adding a load to the forks at that same time moves the center of gravity down and forward. Lifting the load would change the center of gravity upwards and to the rear. At the same time, the stability triangle shrinks when this happens. Hence, the higher you raise a load, the less of a margin for error you have since the stability triangle lessens.
When the stability triangle is small, it leaves less room for the center of gravity to move left or right. It is this wandering action which could change the stability triangle and leave less room for the frame to remain balanced if it is not completely level. Like for example, imagine the center of gravity resembling a plumb bob hanging from the boom. You would always be able to find the center of gravity someplace on a totally vertical line between the center of the ground and a point on the boom. If the frame is not level, the center of gravity will not be oriented over the centerline of the equipment. The stability triangle is always aligned with the centerline of the equipment.