How are forklift load capacities regulated?īoth OSHA and ANSI require that each forklift attachment has its own data plate. It is essential for operators to understand the decreased lifting capacities at tall heights in order to avoid equipment malfunction, damage, and possible harm to equipment operators. This is due to a forklift’s multi-stage mast’s construction. Yes, forklift load capacities decrease at higher load heights. Do lift heights impact a forklift’s load capacity? It is important to know that your maximum load capacity is determined by the lowest maximum capacity of any of the components present on that particular piece of equipment. If you are modifying a forklift after purchase it must be re-rated by the manufacturer to ensure safety and compliance with OSHA standards. Being able to locate the maximum capacity, load center dimensions, and load height are essential for safe operation of the forklift.Ĭlick to download Forklift Load Capacity Chart How do forklift attachments affect load capacity?įorklift attachments, carriages, and other features each carry their own rated maximum capacity. Others provide this information as a chart to highlight the differences between the different factors. Some manufacturers include the load capacity chart as a table giving the maximum weight lifted at different mast stages for different load centers. What is a forklift data plate?Ī forklift data plate contains essential information about the forklift, such as its operating weight, rated maximum capacity, model and serial numbers, any present attachments, and it load capacity chart. The maximum capacity of a forklift is negatively affected by larger load centers, higher lifting heights, and added attachments to the forklift, as well as other factors. Objects with longer load centers cannot be as heavy as shorter objects due to the physics involved with forklift counterweights. 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 is a forklift’s load capacity defined?Ī forklift’s load capacity is defined as a specific weight at a specific load center. With the increasing complexity of modern material handling equipment, it is crucial for forklift operators to understand how to read a forklift load capacity chart and understand the influences that shift how much a forklift can lift at different heights. Should an operator exceed their forklift’s rated maximum capacity, it can put their safety at risk. Understanding a forklift’s load capacity is not as simple as reading the maximum capacity and jumping to work - many factors influence how much your equipment can lift at what height.

Forklift load center chart