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
  • Discussion started by TonytheTrainer
  • 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
  • Reply by johnr_j
  • 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
  • Reply by stam
  • Ontario, Canada

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.

Ncn 100-289TH
Balling, Denmark
Used - Sale
Mitsubishi FD200
Yokohama, Japan
Used - Sale

PREMIUM business

RAEDER-VOGEL
Innovative high-quality wheels and castors for the forklift industry.
Global Industry News
edition #1204 - 7 November 2024
As much of the world awaits the outcome of the 2024 US presidential Election, many hope whatever the result, it will mean an end to the political uncertainty which has been blamed for the subdued economic activity of the last few months... Continue reading
Fact of the week
The British Museum relies on moisture from visitors' breath to increase humidity and stop their wood and bone artefacts from cracking. During Covid lockdowns, some items had to be moved to climate-controlled storage.
Crown SX3030TT4250
Braeside, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Hire
Hangcha CPYD35XW71F
Flesherton, Ontario, Canada
New - Sale

Showcased in the Virtual Expo

Global Industry News
edition #1204 - 7 November 2024
As much of the world awaits the outcome of the 2024 US presidential Election, many hope whatever the result, it will mean an end to the political uncertainty which has been blamed for the subdued economic activity of the last few months... Continue reading
Upcoming in the editorial calendar
FORKLIFT DAMAGE PREVENTION
Nov 2024
AGV FORKLIFT MANUFACTURERS
Feb 2025