Examples
Let's take a look at an example that illustrates what we've been discussing. An evenly distributed 48" wide load on the forks has a center of gravity that is 24" from the face of the forks.
Safe Lift
If the load weighs 4,000 pounds then the load moment will be (24" x 4,000 lb.) = 96,000 inch-pounds.
Using the example and capacity plate in the previous section, a forklift rated at 5,000 pounds at 24 inches would safely lift a load with a moment of up to (24" X 5,000 lb.) = 120,000 inch-pounds.
In this case, the load above would be safe to lift.
Forklift Moment = (24" X 5,000 LBS) = 120,000 inch-pounds
Load Moment= (24" X 4,000 LBS) = 96,000 inch-pounds
The load is safe to lift because load moment is less than forklift moment.
Unsafe Lift
Let's say the same 4,000 pound load was 66" wide, the load moment would then be 132,000 inch-pounds (33" X 4,000 lb.).
Forklift Moment = (24" X 5,000 LBS) = 120,000 inch-pounds
Load Moment= (33" X 4,000 LBS) = 132,000 inch-pounds
In this example, the load moment is greater than forklift moment, so the load is too heavy for the forklift and it would tip forward.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-5. When would a forklift load be safe to lift?
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