To make sure that safety is a main concern, there are 5 key steps. In order to make sure that the unit is visually safe, the first step is to perform a Walk-Around Inspection. Then check 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 functioning safely. The 4th thing to consider is Proper Operation, so as to determine whether or not the model is safely working. Lastly, Proper Shutdown should be checked in order to make sure the model is in a safe place and is capable of shutting down correctly.
At the center of the 5 steps and this regulation, there is a machinery which lifts heavy weights to impressive heights and stands on a triangular footprint. The main goal is to maintain the telehandler upright, but for sure there are dangers.
The triangular base of the telehandler consists of the two front wheels and the rear-axle pivot point. The back axles normally oscillates, therefore the rear wheels are not considered part of the base. The telehandler remains upright as long as the center of gravity of the machinery, that is defined as the point in 3 dimensions around which the equipment's weight is balanced, stays oriented in the stability triangle.
When the boom is down, adding a load to the forks at that time moves the center of gravity down and forward. Raising the load would move the center of gravity to the rear and upwards. At the same time, the stability triangle shrinks when this happens. Therefore, the higher you raise a load, the less of a margin for error you have because the stability triangle lessens.
With a small but stable stability triangle, it leaves less room for the center of gravity to move left or right. This wandering action could change the stability triangle, leaving less room for the frame to remain balanced if it is not completely 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 a point on the boom and the center of the ground. If the frame is not level, the center of gravity would not be oriented over the equipment's centerline. The stability triangle is always aligned with the equipment's centerline.