Discussion:
forklift gradeability

we're designing a building that will have a 12in curb to contain oil in case of a leak. A forklift should be able to go up and down the curb. Looks like most forklifts are able to go up or down a 20% slope with load facing uphill. In our case a forklift will have to go down the slope with load facing downhill because there's no platform at the pivot point. So I'm thinking on one side we could make a ramp with a 20% slope but what's the maximum slope we could make it on the other side, 10%?? (so a typical pallet warehouse forklift can safely go down with load facing downhill)

If there's any OSHA codes please let me know, all I found from OSHA is "Do not travel on ramps with slopes or other conditions that exceed the manufacturer's recommendation"
Also forklift won't have to drive in and out often, so we want to make the shortest ramp
  • Posted 28 Feb 2019 09:55
  • Discussion started by leo_z
  • Washington, United States
Showing items 1 - 1 of 1 results.
No one can answer your question. OSHA/ANSI says forklift operators travel down a grade with the load up hill. That is the guiding principle.

A couple things you have yet considered in trying resolve your issue and that is the full amount of mast back tilt that is on the forklifts. Back tilt helps "cradle" the load, the more the bette but the manufactures requires certain back tilt based on the mast type & lifting height. Here are some common back tilt angle and the slope equivalent
Back Tilt Degree = Slope %
8 14
6 10
5 8.75
Now these angels are measured with new tires front and back - as tire wear the effective tilt angle from true horizontal will change. Generally you can expect to replace the rear/steering tires to be replace twice as often. Which means when new rear tires are installed and the front tires are 1/2 worn there is less effective back tilt.
Another factor you need to consider is that the operator must fully back tilt to - in reality lift truck operators don't - they are "too tired" to hold the tilt handle back to reach full back tilt
You did not say what type of loads will be handle - lift tricks hand candle all types including round items like metal pipe or other unstable loads..
There are attachments called load stabilizers or hold downs that might help you - your companies safety person needs to get involved. Contact your local forklift dealer for assistance - you have the drawings, actual loads and other factors you can explain only in words etc of whaat you want to achieve
  • Posted 28 Feb 2019 22:26
  • Reply by johnr_j
  • Georgia, United States

Post your Reply

Forkliftaction.com accepts no responsibility for forum content and requires forum participants to adhere to the rules. Click here for more information.

Having trouble using the Discussion Forums? Contact us for help.

JLG 600AJ
JLG 600AJ 2012
Flesherton, Ontario, Canada
Used - Sale
Toyota 8FGCU20
Flesherton, Ontario, Canada
Used - Sale

PREMIUM business

Hangzhou Maxlion Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd
3G Standard, Good Products, Good Price, Good Service.
Movers & Shakers
Maxs Foo Maxs Foo
Regional sales manager for Malaysia and Singapore, Libiao Robotics
Area sales manager - Spain, Trex Parts
president and CEO, Konecranes
Director, solutions development procurement, Dematic
Upcoming industry events …
October 15-17, 2025 - Bangkok, Thailand
November 11-13, 2025 - Singapore, Singapore
November 18-19, 2025 - Liverpool, United Kingdom
Global Industry News
edition #1233 - 5 June 2025
Stepping in for Angie Kay – who is taking a well-earned break from our editor’s desk – the story that catches my eye in this week's Forkliftaction News concerns the decision, by the California Air Resources Board, to drop its planned zero-emission forklift regulation... Continue reading
Movers & Shakers
Maxs Foo Maxs Foo
Regional sales manager for Malaysia and Singapore, Libiao Robotics
Area sales manager - Spain, Trex Parts
president and CEO, Konecranes
Director, solutions development procurement, Dematic