Discussion:
Question about Forks and Capacities

So, something that has been bothering me for a little while now.

Across several of my company's sites it has been necessary to change the size of the forks for smaller ones on some of our counterbalance machines. Namely the 10 and 12 tonne ones. We use these to shift shipping containers mostly, quayside and yard work, you get the picture.

Now the forklift supplier we use, when they fit the shorter forks, they also change the rating plate and give the machine a reduced capacity.

Now the question:
Just because the forks are smaller, why is it necessary to reduce the capacity? The machine isnt lighter, the load centres arent changing, the loads themselves are the same.

Now i get that if we are fiting an attachment i.e a rotator or something, then we have to adjust accordingly, and we have to take the strength of the forks into account, but i dont fully appreciate the relationship between fork size/length and machine apacity.

thoughts?
  • Posted 22 Dec 2015 01:41
  • By TonytheTrainer
  • joined 24 Sep'15 - 21 messages
  • Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom
Showing items 1 - 2 of 2 results.
If the fork cross section is less than the larger (longer forks) that may be the difference. In additions the "chemistry" of the forks metal may cause a reduced capacity (i.e. low or high carbon steel) - this can change from fork manufacturer to manufacturer How forges are made (fully forged or other wise) can make a difference as well. In a nutshell, not all forks are a like and they can be the weakest link that determine the capacity rating.
  • Posted 22 Dec 2015 12:57
  • By johnr_j
  • joined 3 Jun'06 - 1,452 messages
  • Georgia, United States
The capacity stated now may be the capacity rated to maximum lift height as opposed to what was there before.
It may have showed capacity from the floor up to 89" or some other height than showed a reduced capacity for anything higher.
I have encountered this when some dealers supply new capacity plates. You can fill every form out exactly as instructed to a T and they will still find a way to f.... it up. I often wonder if there own technicians go through this. I suspect no.
  • Posted 22 Dec 2015 08:16
  • By stam
  • joined 12 Aug'12 - 779 messages
  • Ontario, Canada

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