When working with forklifts, it is vital to understand their capacities and limitations. All forklifts are not created equal, and failing to understand your lift’s unique makeup can result in damage to facilities, the machine itself and the people around it. In some cases, these accidents can even lead to fatalities.
Forklift load capacity is a key concept when working with these productivity-boosting machines. If you understand it, you will be better equipped to use your equipment safely and effectively. It’ll even help you understand what jobs to undertake and which forklift will suit your needs.
In this article, we’ll discuss forklift load capacity to help you get the most out of your new machine.
How Much Can a Forklift Lift?
The simple answer is that forklifts can move anything from a few thousand pounds to tens of thousands of pounds. These are their maximum capacities, not the weight of the average, everyday loads they interact with.
The complicated — and more accurate — answer is that it depends. There’s a difference between a forklift’s rated load capacity and its actual load capacity, and a forklift’s load capacity changes based on the proportions of the object being lifted. For example, a lengthy object that extends far past the end of the lift’s forks will alter its balance and reduce its total capacity.
Learning your forklift’s capacity is a relatively simple matter. All forklifts should have a data plate — or nameplate — on their instrument panel, as required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). On them, you can find the total weight of the machine and its load capacity under different circumstances. However, these figures don’t tell the full story.
To learn that story, it’s important to understand forklift load capacity.
What Is Forklift Load Capacity?
A forklift’s load capacity refers to the amount of weight it can lift via its forks under ideal conditions. As mentioned above, each model has a unique load capacity. Its data plate provides information about the ideal load — including the load center and whether the forks can be loaded off-center laterally — and how heavy that load can be under those conditions.
These details relate to the shape and balance of the load the forklift is trying to carry. If the load is longer than your machine’s standard horizontal load center, the total capacity will be lower. Each machine has a different rated load center, and understanding these details and your needs before making a purchase is necessary.
In the next section, we’ll take a look at these factors and how to calculate your forklift’s actual load capacity.
What Factors Affect Forklift Load Capacity?
The two factors that affect load capacity are the design of the forklift and the nature of the load. You can learn about your forklift’s limitations and measurements by reading the specs on the data plate. The load should be weighed and measured so that you can more accurately determine how it will interact with the machine.
On the forklift side of things, load capacity can be affected by:
- The forklift’s weight.
- The forklift’s dimensions.
- The length of its forks.
- Whether it has accessories attached.
- The forklift’s age and condition.
- The number of wheels.
Regarding loads, load capacity can be affected by:
- The height of the load.
- The length of the load.
- Whether the load is balanced on the forks.
- How high the load needs to be lifted.
In some cases, you may need to break out the calculator to see if a lift is possible. While there are more complex formulas and even online calculators available, the basic OSHA formula to determine your forklift’s adjusted load capacity is:
- Rated Load Center ÷ Actual Load Center × Rated Load Capacity
If you’re unsure whether to use the formula for a given lift, it’s probably best to air on the side of caution and do the math.
Understanding the Parts of a Forklift
A forklift has many parts, including the operator cab and the steering axle. The counterweight, mast and front axle are the most important to load capacity:
- Counterweight: The counterweight is a heavy metal weight placed in the rear of the forklift. It offsets the weight the forklift is carrying. Without it, the lift would tip over when raising far smaller weights.
- Mast: The mast refers to the mechanisms at the front of the vehicle that do the lifting. It’s typically composed of a lift cylinder, load bracket, carriage and the forks themselves. All these parts work together to lift and carry various loads while protecting the forklift operator. The lift’s hydraulic lift system powers the mast.
- Front axle: The front axle stabilizes the balance between the mast and the counterweight, essentially creating a solid foundation from which the machine can lift objects. It’s found between the forklift’s two front wheels and is vital to the stability and strength of the machine as a whole.
What Dangers Are Associated With Capacity Issues?
There are some very real risks that come with operating forklifts. In 2023, for instance, there were 67 fatalities and many more injuries as a result of forklift-related incidents.
Overloading your forklift increases the risk of accidents. Should the machine tip, it can:
- Damage itself.
- Damage what it’s carrying.
- Knock over shelving and other objects in the surrounding area.
- Injure the operator.
- Injure those in the vicinity.
Even if the forklift doesn’t tip, the excess strain may damage the mast or other parts of the machine. As such, caution and care are vital, which is why OSHA mandates all operators be trained before using these vehicles.
How to Figure Out the Right Capacity for Your Needs
Finding a forklift with the right load capacity might seem overwhelming, but it’s really a numbers game. To narrow down your options, all you need to do is figure out the general weight range of the objects you need to lift.
From there, you can eliminate options based on anything from price point and attachments to safety features. Consulting industry professionals can also simplify the decision-making process. You could even try renting machines before purchasing them to find one that suits your needs.
Find the Perfect Forklift for You With Bohl Equipment Co.
You don’t have to navigate choosing a forklift alone. At Bohl Equipment Co., we’ve offered high-quality equipment and knowledgeable service since 1924. Our team serves clients in Ohio and Indiana and is dedicated to working closely with you to find the best machine for your needs. When it comes to our customers, we always do more than expected. Explore new and used forklifts, or find a location near you!
