How Do You Know the Capacity of Your Forklift?Īll forklifts must have a load capacity data plate. It can also include the down rating for specific attachments and down rating of the lift capacity if a mast is fitted onto the machine. The load capacity plate lists the maximum load that a lift can handle, lift height, brand and model number, and load center distance. The plate is located on the instrument panel near a lift’s operating controls. You can find a lift’s capacity listed on its load capacity data plate. This weight is listed on a lift and ensures an operator knows how much the machine can carry when a load is properly centered. Let’s find the answer!Ĭapacity refers to the maximum amount that a forklift can lift.

Still, many of our customers would like to know how much a forklift can lift. į, the leader in online OSHA training, provides the knowledge and skills to help anyone – including you – better understand how forklifts handle heavy cargo. Reality: The higher a heavy load is lifted, the less safe a forklift becomes.ĭue to ineffective (or nonexistent) training, many forklift drivers aren’t aware of max load capacities or how to safely navigate their workspace with a heavy load. off the ground, it can safely carry 3,000 lbs. This brings us to another myth/reality issue:

difference in the center load position, and a forklift’s max load is reduced by up to 33%! In one example, OSHA explains that a forklift capable of lifting 4,000 lbs.

In fact, OSHA’s Powered Industrial Trucks eTool resource provides insights into max load capacities for common forklifts. OSHA has guidelines in place to help forklift operators, pallet jack drivers, and other industrial powered truck workers be aware of their machine’s ability to lift, maneuver, and store cargo. Too often, forklift operators think their lifts can handle a certain amount of weight, only to find out the hard way they can’t! That’s the difference between guessing how much load a particular forklift can lift and knowing for sure. Reality: it’s always a good idea to check your forklift’s manual for its max load requirement.ĭespite their superhuman strength, durability, and reliability, even forklifts are limited in the amount of weight they can lift. Myth: every warehouse forklift can lift much more than they’re designed for. So, how much can a forklift lift ? To find out, let’s first consider the myth and reality associated with this question. When it comes to forklifts and max weight capacities, there’s a big difference between myth and reality.

Load capacity chart forklift