Forklift operators must be trained in load capacity and its limits to ensure a safe work environment, prevent accidents and optimize their performance. Knowing your forklift’s features and functions are key to safely transporting loads. Learn how to calculate your forklift’s limits and operate this heavy equipment safely.
What Is Forklift Load Capacity?
A forklift’s weight capacity is the maximum rated load the equipment can lift in a particular weight and load center configuration. A forklift lifts cargo by balancing its weight with its load-bearing mechanism, fulcrum, and counterweight. Its load capacity range depends on a combination of weight distribution formulas and stability principles.
Your forklift’s load limit may vary with various factors, including:
- Attachments
- Lifting height
- Load length
- Load distribution
- Wheel and tire type
- Battery weight
Why Should You Follow Your Forklift’s Weight Limits?
Knowing and respecting your forklift load limit is key to preventing overloading accidents, cargo loss and injuries. Forklift operators should receive training to interpret the load capacity plate and follow general safety guidelines. This information will allow them to know their equipment’s weight limit and understand how it changes with a load’s weight, shape, size and position.
Preventing overloading will lower the risks of tip-overs, load drops and loss of steering. You may also avoid OSHA fines related to overloading violations. Best practices you can follow for safely loading your forklift include:
- Keeping your forklift’s data plates updated and easy to read
- Regularly maintaining your forklift and attachments
- Reinforcing good practices and safe operation skills
How to Find Your Forklift’s Limits
You can easily find the information about load limits on your forklift’s data plate. There is no absolute number that defines the machine’s weight limit. Using the information on the chart, you can assess whether your forklift can support a load in a certain configuration.
You can find information about the forklift’s model, fuel type and other relevant data on this plate. Here, you’ll find a load capacity chart with side and top-down visual representations of the forklift’s weight distribution.
They vary according to the forklift’s model and brand, but you should be able to identify matching symbols and letters on the visuals and chart signaling the load center, lifting height and load offset. The chart will assign the values to different configurations, including load weight, placement and attachments on the equipment.
Become a Certified Forklift Operator With Fitzgerald Equipment
Operator awareness and proper training are crucial for understanding forklift load capacity and functioning. By understanding the working mechanisms of a forklift and the relevant information for lifting and transporting loads, you’ll be able to keep a safe and efficient work environment.
At Fitzgerald Equipment, we are committed to helping you achieve the best working practices. Our OHSA-certified forklift training includes complete modules and refresher courses for becoming a certified forklift operator. Contact our online team to schedule a training session or learn more about our training options.
