Have you ever wondered what the term forklift weight and forklift capacity means? Well, you have certainly come to the right place. Having the knowledge on how much your forklift weighs, as well as its lifting capabilities, will put you in good stead to thrive and conduct your forklift operations safely and effectively. Read below to find out what these incredibly useful terms mean for you.
Forklift Weight
Figuring out a forklift’s weight is crucial for ensuring the safety of yourself and others. If you understand your forklift’s weight, you can safely handle various loads in full confidence without fear of causing any workplace accidents. In addition, if you understand your forklift’s weight, you can safely ship these nifty machines to other sites where required.
How Heavy is A Forklift?
A forklift can weigh anywhere between 3,000 and 20,000 pounds. However, the weight limit will depend largely on the type of model and manufacturer you decide to purchase from. Generally speaking however, the average forklift weights of most machines lies at around 9,000 pounds.
Standard Forklift Capacity
While we have discussed what ‘forklift weight’ is, it is time to discuss what ‘standard forklift capacity’ means. Forklift capacity is simply the measurement of how much weight a particular forklift can lift. Lower capacities begin in the region of 3,000 pounds and can go up to over 70,000 pounds again, depending on the make and model.
Is Forklift Weight the Same As Forklift Capacity?
A Forklift’s weight and capacity do not mean the same thing. In order to safely operate a forklift, it is absolutely pivotal for workers to understand the difference between the two terms. Whereas the weight refers to the actual mass and heaviness of the machinery (which we have previously discussed) forklift capacity is the amount of weight that a lift can hold. It is also important to note that according to the HSE, you should never lift loads greater than the standard forklift capacity of vehicle
How to Determine Forklift Weight and Capacity
To determine the weight, a forklift manufacturer’s manual that should always come when purchasing the machines will provide you with all the necessary information needed about the forklift in terms of its mass.
However, to determine the capacity, a forklift’s data plate usually located on the side of the machine will possess all the necessary information about its capacity. The plate will include details about the forklift’s rated capacity, maximum capacity and maximum lift height. The data plate also offers information about down-rated capacity, which refers to the lift’s maximum fork height and other vehicle attachments that can be used with the forklift.