
Some of the forklift capacity ratings for common types of forklifts are:
Forklift Type | Rated Capacity Range |
Forklift Type Electric 3-Wheelers | Rated Capacity Range 3,000 lb. — 5,000 l ... |
Forklift Type Electric 4-Wheelers | Rated Capacity Range 3,000 lb. — 12,000 ... |
Forklift Type Electric Stand-Up Riders | Rated Capacity Range 3,000 lb. — 5,000 l ... |
Forklift Type Electric Reach Trucks | Rated Capacity Range 3,000 lb. — 4,500 l ... |
How to properly load a forklift?
the forklift lists its maximum load weight. Never exceed it! • Use the proper lift fixture for the type of load, such as a carpet spike or drum grappler. • Make sure the load is stable and centered; stack or tie uneven or loose loads. • Spread the forks as wide as possible for even distribution and load stability.
What do you need to know about forklift load capacities?
Why Do You Need to Know About the Forklift Load Capacity?
- Attachments 10 Reasons That Trigger Divorce Top 10 Strongest Dr. ...
- Wear and tear While lifting heavy loads, significant wear and tear in the forklift is observed on the fork of the lift truck and the chain in the lifting ...
- Changing Forklift tire
How to determine forklift capacity?
Rated capacity forklift
- Weights are based on the following specifications: Complete truck with cab, pneumatic tires, mast, carriage, and forks.
- Unladen with new tires
- Bottom of forks n +/- 3% tolerance depend on tire inflated pressure or tire brand.
- Full suspension seat in the depressed position.
- Add 50 mm with load backrest
- Optional equipment
How to calculate load center forklifts?
Calculate forklift capacity height. Consider the size, shape, position and weight distribution of the load to determine if the machine can make the lift. Forklift manufacturers frequently calculate load capacity by measuring with an evenly distributed, square object at a 24-inch horizontal distance from the mast.

How do you calculate the load capacity of a forklift?
You can determine the Maximum Load Moment for any forklift by multiplying the weight rating by the center load distance state on the data plate. In the example we used above, it would be a 5,000 lb capacity multiplied by a 24 inch load center (5,000 x 24), which gives you a Maximum Load Moment of 120,000 inch pounds.
What is load capacity of forklift?
A forklift's load capacity is defined as a specific weight at a specific load center. While your forklift may be rated to lift 6,000 pounds, that maximum capacity can be reduced based on the shape of the load you are moving.
How do you read a forklift load chart?
0:575:59How to Read a Load Chart - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou'll also find the load. Center so the load center is indicated by half the distance of the fork.MoreYou'll also find the load. Center so the load center is indicated by half the distance of the fork.
What factors determine the capacity of a forklift?
Forklift's Center of Gravity A load's width, length, height, and weight distribution can also shift the center of gravity and affect how much net capacity your forklift is capable of.
What is load capacity?
Load capacity is the maximum allowable force that can be applied to a stage in a specified direction while meeting stage specifications. This maximum force includes static (mass × gravity) and dynamic forces (mass × acceleration).
How much can a 8000 lb forklift lift?
This dual fuel forklift has a maximum lift capacity of 8,000 lbs. and a maximum lift height of 187”.
How do you interpret a load chart?
How To Read a Load ChartDIMENSIONS and WEIGHT — The chart shows the crane dimensions. ... LIFT CAPACITY — This is where the magic happens. ... LIFT RANGE — Just as important as lift capacity is lift range. ... LIFT ANGLE — This chart illustrates the maximum lift if a luffing or fixed jib is used.More items...
How do you calculate the rated capacity of a forklift at different height?
A couple of simple calculations are all that's necessary:Divide the load center as stated on the data plate by the actual load center (in the example above, that would be 24/36=. 6666).Multiply this result by the rated load capacity (4000X. 6666=2666.6).
What does truck weight mean on a forklift?
A forklift usually includes a manufacturer's tag that provides information about the lift's weight. The total weight is listed as “service weight,” which refers to the weight of the truck, its battery, and all of its attachments. Meanwhile, a forklift's data plate contains information about its capacity.
What changes the capacity of a forklift?
Gross Capacity of a Forklift Adding attachments, such as sideshifts or fork positioners can alter the capacity rating of the forklift significantly. The capacity that a forklift can safely lift will also change if the load width or length changes from the rated load center on the data plate (standard 48” load ).
What causes a forklift to change capacity?
1. Attachments. Attachments such as fork positioners or side shifts can cause the capacity rating of a forklift to change. Load width and length changes can also cause capacity rating changes. 2. Load Center. Forklift manufacturers usually use a 24-inch load center for the base rating of a forklift.
What is load capacity?
Load capacity is the maximum amount of weight or pressure that can be pressed on a forklift. Below is the main device that tells you everything you need to know about your forklift's loading capacity.
What is load capacity data plate?
A load capacity data plate is a metal plate specifying the load each forklift can lift. The load capacity data plate even states how much a forklift can lift when it has different attachments on it and is positioned at different mast angles. In fact, you should find the load capacity, lift height, load center distance, forklift brand, and model number, down rating of lifting capacity if a mast is fitted, and down rating for any attachments stated on the local capacity data plate.
What happens if a forklift is not properly centered?
If for some reason the load is not properly centered in its position on the forklift, the forklift’s load capacity will reduce. To further understand how we determine load capacity for a forklift, we are going to go over the major factors that affect a forklift’s load capacity.
How many types of forklift masts are there?
There are four main types of forklift masts. These types include standard upright, duplex upright, triple stage upright, and quad upright. The height of a forklift mast along with how far the forklift mast can tilt forward and backward, are individual forklift features that affect the forklift’s net capacity.
How does age affect forklift capacity?
4. Age of Forklift. The age of the forklift will also affect its gross and net capacity. This is because older forklifts do not have many of the same type of updated parts that newer forklifts do. For example, the tires between the older and newer forklifts could be completely different from one another.
What is a de-rated forklift?
De-rated forklift capacities refer to a decrease in the forklift’s lifting capacity. These individual features include specific attachments. 2. The Height and Type of Mast of the Forklift. A forklift mast is the part of the forklift that lifts, positions, and lowers the load that the forks of the forklift carry.
Why is it important to determine forklift load capacity?
Correctly establishing forklift load capacity is critical. This is because not getting it right can result in numerous problems. Included among these are injuries to employees that can be major. It can also lead to significant financial troubles.
What is the center of gravity of a forklift?
When at rest, on level ground, the forklift’s center of gravity is within the stability triangle. But if the forklift is put in motion, or sits on a sloping surface, it’s center of gravity shifts.
What is the fulcrum of a forklift?
The fulcrum is the central pivot point of a seesaw. The front axle is the fulcrum of the forklift where the counterweight and the load find balance. One of the hardest things for lift truck operators to learn during training is how to maintain their center of gravity within their stability triangle. A forklift has a three-point suspension system.
Why do you need a forklift attachment?
Adding a forklift attachment reduces the lifting capacity of the truck due to the additional weight of the attachment itself and because an attachment typically moves the truck’s load center farther forward. As the center of gravity moves forward, the maximum load weight must decrease to prevent tip-overs.
Why is the capacity of a forklift always stated in terms of both: the load’s weight and its
Because the overturning force depends on both the weight of the load and the load’s distance from the pivot point , a forklift’s capacity is always stated in terms of both: the load’s weight and its load center distance.
What happens if a forklift is not centered?
If the load is not centered at the specified position, the forklift's capacity will be reduced. Loads come in all shapes and sizes, not just symmetrical boxes. The load size, position, and weight distribution critically affect the forklift's capacity and the stability of the truck.
What happens when the load center distance increases?
When the load center distance increases, it is actually increasing something called the "Load Moment": Load Moment is the product of the object's weight multiplied by the object’s distance from the fulcrum, which is a fixed point that acts as the pivot point.
Does a forklift tip over?
When the load is placed on the forklift, the combined center of gravity of the forklift and the load will move forward, but the forklift will not tipover so long as the weight of the load is centered and does not exceed the capacity stated on the data plate.
What attachments affect the load center distance of a forklift?
Some common forklift attachments that have a significant effect on the forklift's load center distance/lifting capacity include drum lifters (beak and claw or clamp) fork tine extensions ("slippers), carpet spikes and many more.
How to tell if a forklift mast is vertical?
Being able to tell when your mast is vertical can be done by either adjusting your forks on the ground, or when raising a load, when your forks are at eye level. However, it still takes many, many hours of operating experience to get the forklift mast vertical every time.
Why do forklifts tilt forward?
By moving the load forward and away from the forklift, the load's center of gravity is now well beyond the recommended load center distance, so even when loads are within the forklifts maximum lifting capacity, forward tilt reduces the lifting capacity , and is the main factor in forward-forklift tip-overs, as operators are simply unaware of it.
How far apart should forks be for pallets?
For handling pallets, ideally your forks should be spaced equally apart center to the carriage/backrest, around 10 inches out from each side. But really there is no exact measurement; the best rule is to space them just a bit less from as wide as you can have them for the pallets/loads you will be handling.
Can a forklift be inserted into a pallet?
Understand the effects of Long Pallets or Forklift tines not fully inserted. Two other common factors that can affect load center distance are the use of longer or irregularly sized pallets, or simply not inserting the forklift's tines all the way into a pallet before lifting.
Does side shift affect load center distance?
The use of side-shift will not affect load center distance, however, it will change the load's center of gravity laterally (sideways) which can lead to sideways tip-overs of forklifts carrying heavy loads when side-shifted to either side - especially when turning fast, or turning with the forks raised. Thanks!
Does tilt affect forklift load?
A major factor often overlooked by newer and experienced forklift operator s alike is the use of tilt and its ability to affect the forklift's load center distance. As previously mentioned on the forklift's data plate, the weight capacity of the forklift is halved when the forward tilt is used.
