CG:Center of Gravity
LF:Load Factor
RC:Rated Capacity
LP:Liquid Propane
DA:Dynamic Assessment
LO:Load Orientation
EPA:Environmental Protection Agency (Related to Emissions for Forklifts)
OSHA:Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Regulating Forklift Operation and Safety)
1.Truck Center of Gravity:The Point Where the Weight of the Forklift Itself Is Balanced.For Most Forklifts,This Point Is Typically Low and Centered Between the Front and Rear Axles.
2.Load Center of Gravity:The Point Where the Load’s Weight Is Balanced.The Load Center Is Defined as the Distance from the Vertical Face of the Forks to the Center of Gravity of the Load Being Lifted,Typically Measured in Inches.For Most Forklifts, This Distance Is Standardized at 24 Inches.
The Load Centre in a Forklift Refers to the Horizontal Distance from the Face of the Forks (or the Load-Bearing Surface) to the Centre of Gravity (CG) of the Load Being Lifted. The Further the Load’s CG Is from the Forks,the More Leverage It Creates, Potentially Reducing the Forklift’s Ability to Safely Lift the Load.Forklift Manufacturers Provide a Rated Capacity Based on the Assumption that the Load Center Is 24 Inches.When the Load Center Extends Beyond This Distance,the Forklift’s Capacity Decreases.
A Forklift Load Center Calculator Is a Helpful Tool for Ensuring that Operators Are Working Within the Forklift’s Safe Operating Limits.This Tool Helps Determine the Actual Load Capacity Based on the Load’s Center of Gravity.By Inputting the Forklift’s Rated Capacity and the Actual Load Center (e.g.,for Loads with Varying Shapes and Sizes),Operators Can Calculate the Adjusted Maximum Weight They Can Safely Lift.
To Accurately Determine How Changes in Load Center Affect Lifting Capabilities,a Forklift Load Center Calculator Can Be Utilized.Formula for Load Center Capacity: Actual Load Capacity = Rated Load Center × Rated Capacity ÷ Actual Load Center
Let’s Say You Have a Forklift Rated for 5,000 Lbs at a 24-Inch Load Center,but You Need to Lift a Load Where the Center of Gravity Is 30 Inches from the Forks.
Actual Load Capacity = 24 Inches × 5,000 Lbs ÷ 30 Inches
Actual Load Capacity = 4,000 Lbs
Given the Importance of Load Centre in Forklift Operation,a Load Centre Calculator Is a Valuable Tool for Ensuring Safe and Efficient Lifting.This Calculator, Often Integrated into Forklift Load Charts or Available as a Standalone Application,Allows Operators to Input the Weight and Dimensions of a Load,as Well as Its Estimated Centre of Gravity. The Calculator Then Computes the Load Centre Distance and Provides the Maximum Lifting Capacity of the Forklift at that Distance.
Using a Load Centre Calculator Is Straightforward.First,the Operator Measures the Dimensions of the Load and Estimates Its Centre of Gravity.Next,They Input These Values into the Calculator,Along with the Model and Specifications of the Forklift Being Used.The Calculator Processes the Information and Displays the Maximum Lifting Capacity,Taking into Account the Load Centre Distance and the Forklift’s Rated Capacity.
By Utilizing a Load Centre Calculator,Operators Can Avoid Overloading the Forklift and Ensure that the Load Is Lifted Safely and Securely.In Addition to the Lift Capacity Calculation,the Calculator May Also Provide Safety Guidelines and Recommendations for Lifting and Moving the Load.A Forklift Load Center Calculator Is a Valuable Tool for Forklift Operators,as It Helps Them Determine the Appropriate Lift Capacity and Stability of a Load Based on Its Center of Gravity and Dimensions.
There Are Various Online Load Center Calculators Where You Can Input Your Rated Capacity and Load Center Distance to See the Adjusted Capacity Instantly.Most of These Tools Follow Similar Principles Based on the Calculations Outlined Above.
