Forklifts play a crucial role in material handling, but understanding forklift capacity and load centre is key to safe and efficient operations.
Forklift Capacity: Safe Lifting Basics
Forklift capacity determines how much weight a forklift can safely lift, influenced by design factors like counterweight, mast structure, and hydraulics.
- Electric Forklifts: Linde offers models from 1,000 kg to 10,000 kg, ideal for precise indoor operations.
- Combustion Engine Forklifts: Built for heavy-duty outdoor tasks, ensuring high efficiency and productivity.
Capacity varies with load centre, lift height, and attachments, making it essential to consider these factors.
Load Centre: Maintaining Stability
The load centre—the distance from the forks to the load’s centre of gravity—directly impacts forklift stability and capacity. Most forklifts have a standard 500 mm load centre.
- Safety: Exceeding the rated load centre increases the risk of tipping.
- Efficiency: Proper load centre management maximises forklift performance.
- Equipment Selection: Choosing the right forklift depends on your typical load centre.
As load centre increases, effective capacity decreases. Operators should always refer to the forklift’s load capacity chart to ensure safe lifting.
Best Practices for Safe Operations
- Load Assessment: Check load weight and dimensions before lifting.
- Capacity Plates: Review the forklift’s capacity plate for accurate limits.
- Attachments: Account for capacity changes when using accessories.
- Operator Training: Make sure all operators are well-trained in understanding these concepts.
- Regular Maintenance: Keep your forklift in top shape with regular maintenance.
Choosing the Right Forklift
When it comes time to choose a forklift, keep these factors in mind:
- Load Capacity: Select forklifts that match your weight requirements.
- Operating Environment: Electric for indoor, diesel for outdoor use.
- Lift Height & Maneuverability: Factor in storage needs and facility layout.
- Energy Efficiency & Safety Features: Evaluate long-term costs and advanced safety systems like Linde Safety Pilot, which gives real-time feedback on stability and load status.
