Safe Load Capacity
The forklift's capacity to safely lift a load without tipping is based on the forklift's rated capacity, the load center distance, and other factors.
You can use field calculations to estimate the forklift's reduced lifting capacity if manufacturer's instructions are not available. This calculation method will not produce exact load reduction figures, so use this method only as a guideline. The forklift manufacturer is the source of more precise information.
Assume a situation where a forklift truck that has a 5,000 pound capacity at a 24-inch load center needs to move a load whose center is 36 inches from the front face of the forks in the horizontal direction. The first thing to recognize is that the actual load center distance of 36 inches exceeds the standard load center distance of 24 inches on which the 5000 pound capacity is based, so the safe load capacity is actually less than 5000 pounds.
To estimate the truck's safe load capacity with a load that has a 36-inch load center, take the standard load center (24 inches) and divide it by the actual load center (36 inches), and then multiply the result by the forklift's stated capacity (5,000 lb) to get the new approximate safe load capacity:
Other Factors Affecting Capacity
There are many factors that affect the lifting capacity of a forklift. If any of the factors are changed, particularly the attachments on the forklift carriage or the load center, check the capacity data plate for accuracy to ensure safe load handling.
- Make or Manufacturer
- Model
- Power Source
- Battery Weight
- Tire Type
- Tire Size
- Mast Lift Height
- Mast Carriage Type
- Attachments
- Load Center of Gravity (CG or LC)
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-5. The forklift's capacity to safely lift a load is based on the _____.
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