You can experience this for yourself by doing the following activity: The way in which weight is distributed changes the amount of weight the lift truck will safely carry.

Multiply this number by the stated capacity of 4,000 lb to get the new approximate safe load capacity:Ģ4 in/36 in x 4,000 lb = 2,666 (approximate safe load capacity) Using the example in Figure 4, take the stated standard load center of 24 inches and divide it by the actual load center of 36 inches. Then multiply this number by the stated capacity to get the new approximate safe load capacity:Ģ4 in/28 in x 5,000 lb = 4,285 lb (approximate safe load capacity) To estimate the truck's safe load capacity at a 28-inch load center, take the rated load center and divide it by the actual load center. The first thing to recognize is that the actual load center distance of 28 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. The forklift manufacturer is the source of more precise information.Īssume a situation where a forklift truck that has a 5,000 pound capacity at a 24 inch load center needs to handle a load whose center is 28 inches from the front face of the forks in the horizontal direction. This calculation method will not produce exact load reduction figures. Tip: Use field calculations to estimate the reduced lifting capacity if manufacturer’s instructions are not available. If the stated load center is exceeded, compensate by reducing the weight of the load.Ĭonsult the forklift manufacturer’s instructions when handling large or unusually configured loads. Loss of steering control (Shifting too much weight forward raises the rear wheels.)Įstimate the safe load capacity with oversized loads. While arranging a load, be aware of the following: To the extent that the load differs from this theoretical load - such as if it is irregularly shaped, has unbalanced weight distribution, or is not centered on the forks - the capacity may be reduced. Of course, most loads are not perfectly shaped cubes having their center of gravity exactly in the middle of the cube. With such a load, the horizontal distance from the center of the load to the vertical part of the forks would be 24 inches.

This means that the forklift’s capacity was determined as if the load were a cube whose weight is evenly distributed (i.e., whose center of gravity is exactly in the center of the cube) and which is resting on a standard pallet having dimensions of 48 inches by 48 inches. Forklifts are designed to carry a capacity load at a standard load center, commonly 24 inches. Load weight, weight distribution, size, shape, and position are key factors affecting the stability of the forklift.

Truck load distribution calculator