Forklift & Telehandler Operations
Load charts, load center, tipping axis, stability triangle, telehandler boom capacity, fork width rules, and daily inspections.
- Read and interpret forklift load charts including load center
- Explain the stability triangle and tipping axis concepts
- Describe telehandler load chart factors and fork width requirements
- Identify slope safety rules and personnel lifting requirements
Lección 1
Forklift Load Charts & Load Center
Understanding the Load Chart
A load chart on a forklift indicates the rated capacity at a given load center and lift height. The load chart is mounted on the machine and must be referenced before lifting any load. Capacity decreases as load center increases and as lift height increases. Never exceed the rated capacity shown on the chart.
What is Load Center?
The load center is the distance from the face of the forks to the load's center of gravity - commonly 24 inches on standard forklifts. Most load charts are rated at a 24-inch load center. If the actual load center is greater than 24 inches (for example, a wide or irregular load), the forklift's capacity is reduced.
Load Center and Capacity Relationship
If the load center increases, the capacity decreases. This is because a longer load center creates more leverage (moment) on the forklift's fulcrum point. A load that is within the rated capacity at 24 inches may exceed the capacity at 36 inches. Always calculate the actual load center for non-standard loads.
Load Center Rule
The standard load center is 24 inches. When the load center increases, the capacity decreases. Always verify the actual load center before lifting non-standard loads.
The load chart shows rated capacity at a given load center and height. Load center is the distance from fork face to load CG - commonly 24 inches. If load center increases, capacity decreases.