To make sure that safety is a main concern, there are 5 key steps. To be able to make certain that the unit is visually safe, the first step is to perform a Walk-Around Inspection. After that assess if the worksite is safe to use with a Worksite Assessment. The Function Test is the third step so as to know whether or not the model is safely working. The 4th thing to think about is Proper Operation, so as to know whether or not the unit is safely working. Lastly, Proper Shutdown should be checked so as to make sure the unit is in a safe place and is capable of shutting down properly.
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 main goal is to be able to keep the telehandler upright, but for sure there are risks.
The telehandler's triangular base comprises the rear-axle pivot point and the two front wheels. The rear axles normally 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 machinery, that is defined as the point in 3 dimensions around which the machine's weight is balanced, stays oriented inside the stability triangle.
When a load is positioned on the forks whilst the boom is down, the center of gravity down and forward. The load if raised will change the center of gravity upwards to the rear. At the same time, when this happens, the stability triangle shrinks. Hence, the higher you lift a load, the less of a margin for error you have because the stability triangle lessens.
When the stability triangle is small, it leaves less room for the center of gravity to move right or left. It is this wandering action which can change the stability triangle and leave less room for the frame to remain balanced if it is not perfectly level. Like for instance, imagine the center of gravity resembling a plumb bob hanging from the boom. You will 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 would not be oriented over the machine's centerline. The stability triangle is always aligned with the machine's centerline.