The maximum weight that a forklift can lift safely when the load centre is at a specified point is called the load capacity.
Normally, the load capacity of forklifts reduces when the weight is not placed at the position specified by the manufacturer.
The increasing availability of more forklift options and attachments has made it very important that operators get a better understanding of the forklift’s load capacity they operate. In addition, they should also know the load capacities of different forklifts that are currently available in the market.
This will go a long way in helping them maintain their safety while operating these forklifts. This is because exceeding the load capacity of a forklift can be very dangerous for the forklift operators and all those around them. Before forklift operators fully understand load capacity, they also have to understand the effect the size and shape of the forklift has on the load capacity.
The forklift’s load capacity data plate is the one that specifies the load capacity for a forklift of given specifications. This load capacity data plate shows the weight of a load that a forklift can lift safely when at different mast angles as well as when they are fitted with an attachment.
Often on the plate’s display are the load capacity, load centre distance, lift weight, model and brand of the forklift. Other data on the display includes the lift’s capacity down rating when fitted with a mast and the specific down rating for attachments identified on the capacity plate. Provided here are some forklifts and their load capacities.
So far, the forklift that has the highest load capacity is the Kalmar forklift in the UK. It is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as having a load capacity of 90,000kg, which is approximately 198416.04 lbs.
Kalmar (part of Cargotec) has recently announced (17/10/2019) a new forklift for demanding loads of up to 54 tons (48,988 Kg. or 108000 lbs).
The Kalmar DCG380-540 is designed to offer the heavy-lifting power needed to handle the heavy loads typically seen in the stevedoring and metal industries combined with the smooth, precise control of a smaller-capacity machine.
The new Kalmar heavy forklift offers a completely new lifting experience for heavy-duty, high-capacity forklifts, with improved lifting and lowering speeds combined with load-sensing hydraulics to ensure smooth, safe handling of even the most challenging loads.
It also features built-in connectivity as standard to enable customers to take advantage of the Kalmar Insight performance management tool, which provides a clear overview of fleet operations and helps to turn data into actionable, impactful insights.
Kalmar Trade Press Release
Mainly used for moving pallets and unloading trucks in places where four wheel use is inefficient like in warehouses.
Like three wheel forklifts, they are used for moving pallets and unloading trucks. However, unlike three wheel forklifts which are only electric powered, four wheel forklifts are powered by electricity, diesel, propane and even gasoline.
Their load capacity is slightly lower than that of the four wheel forklift.
Like order pickers, they are also electric powered.
Jacks are mainly used for transporting loads over short distances. Like most forklifts, they are electric powered.
They are mainly used for loading and unloading trucks quickly.
Unlike many forklifts that are electric powered, rough terrain forklifts are powered by diesel fuel, gasoline and compressed gas.
Here is a table comparing all the types of Forklift we mentioned above:
Forklift Type Weight (Kg.) Three Wheel 2,200 Four Wheel 3,600 Industrial Reach 2,500 Order Pickers 1,500 Turret Trucks 3,600 Jacks 3,600 Stand Up Counterbalance 2,500 Rough Terrain 16,000
To safely operate this and other types of forklifts you need extensive training, so for more information on a variety of different forklift training courses look no further than Euro 1 Training – we’ll be happy to find the right course for you or your workforce. Contact the team today.