Forklifts are essential pieces of equipment for moving heavy loads in warehouses, factories, construction sites and many other work environments. However, to ensure safe operation and avoid accidents, it’s critical to know the weight capacity of your specific forklift model. Lifting loads that exceed the rated capacity can lead to tip-overs, equipment damage, injuries and even fatalities. Here’s how you can determine how much weight your forklift can handle:
- Check the data plate: Every forklift is required to have a data plate that lists important specs including the forklift’s weight capacity. This metal plate is usually mounted in a visible location like the overhead guard or near the operator’s seat. The rated capacity will be clearly stated, often at a 24″ load center.
- Know the load center: The rated capacity assumes the load’s center of gravity is 24 inches from the front face of the forks (the standard “load center”). If your load has a larger load center, the actual capacity will be reduced. Some data plates include a load chart showing max capacities at various load centers.
- Consider attachments: If your forklift has an attachment like a side-shifter, fork positioner, push-pull, or clamp, this can reduce lifting capacity compared to the standard carriage and forks. Attachments add weight that must be subtracted from the listed capacity. Check with the attachment manufacturer for specific derating information.
- Factor in lifting height: A forklift’s capacity decreases the higher you lift the load. This is because a raised load has a greater risk of causing the forklift to tip. The data plate should specify the maximum lifting height. Avoid lifting heavy loads to the maximum fork height.
- Assess load stability: Even if a load’s weight is within the rated capacity, an unbalanced, unevenly distributed or awkwardly-shaped load can still cause tipovers. Make sure the load is centered, stable and secured before lifting. Use extra caution with long or irregular-shaped loads.
- When in doubt, check the manual: Your forklift’s operation and maintenance manual will provide detailed information on its lifting capacity and any derating factors. Always refer to the manual if you’re unsure about your specific model’s limits.
- Get proper training: All forklift operators should complete a training program to learn proper techniques for assessing loads and operating the equipment safely. An untrained operator may overlook important considerations.
Remember, a forklift’s capacity is the maximum weight it can safely handle under ideal conditions. It’s always best to stay well under this limit and use good judgement based on the specific load and lifting situation. Exceeding the rated capacity is never worth the risk to operators, facilities and products. Know your forklift’s limits and operate it responsibly to keep your workplace accident-free
Example:
The image shows a data plate for a Toyota forklift truck model 52-6FGCU30. Here is a summary of the key information on the plate:
- Model: 52-6FGCU30
- Serial No: 61313
- Approximate Weight: 10430 lbs
- Front Tread: 35.8 in
- Type: LP (liquid propane powered)
- Maximum Lifting Height “A”: 187 in
- Mast: FSV
- Back Tilt: 5 degrees
- Attachment: Side Shifter
- Tire Size Front: 21x8x15/SOLID
- Tire Size Rear: 16x6x10.1/2/SOLID
The plate also includes a load capacity chart showing the rated capacity at various load centers:
- 5,800 lbs at a 20 inch load center
- 5,100 lbs at a 24 inch load center
- 4,600 lbs at a 30 inch load center
__________
The load capacity chart on the forklift data plate shows how the rated lifting capacity changes based on the load center distance.
The load center is the distance from the front face of the forks to the center of gravity of the load. It’s a key factor in determining lifting capacity because the further out the center of gravity is from the forklift, the more leverage it exerts and the greater risk of tipping the forklift forward.
The chart lists three load center distances and the corresponding maximum weight capacity at each:
- At a 20 inch load center, this forklift can safely lift up to 5,800 lbs. This is the highest capacity because the load is closer to the forklift’s mast.
- At the standard 24 inch load center (2 feet out from the forks), the capacity is reduced slightly to 5,100 lbs. Many forklift capacities are rated at this 24″ standard.
- At a 30 inch load center, the safe lifting capacity drops further to 4,600 lbs. With the load center 6 inches further out than the 24″ standard, the tipping risk is greater, so the max weight is reduced by 500 lbs.
So in practical terms, an operator would need to estimate the center of gravity of each load and reference this chart to ensure they’re staying within the forklift’s capacity at that load center distance.
For example, lifting a 4,800 lb load with a 20″ load center would be within the 5,200 lb limit. But that same 4,800 lb load at a 30″ load center would exceed this forklift’s 4,600 lb capacity and risk tipping.
The further out the load extends or the more unevenly it’s distributed, the more the lifting capacity is reduced from the max 5,200 lbs. This chart helps the operator quickly determine the safe limits.